B’luru: Strict guidelines issued for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has issued a stern warning against forced collection of funds for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. He emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in illegal fundraising activities.

During a press conference held at the Commissioner’s office on Friday, Dayananda outlined a 30-point guideline aimed at maintaining peace and order during the Gauri-Ganesh festival, which will be celebrated across the city from September 7. He stressed that all guidelines must be strictly followed, particularly in the context of Ganesh idol installations and associated events.

Key Guidelines:

1. Permission for Installations: Public installations of Ganesh idols must be done only after obtaining permission from the relevant police station. Installations should not obstruct public movement or vehicular traffic. Roads with heavy traffic are not permitted for idol installations.

2. Ban on Forced Donations: No one is allowed to collect funds forcibly for the installation of Ganesh idols or for organizing related events.

3. Disputed Locations: Idols should not be installed in disputed areas. The consent of the property owner is required, and the information must be provided to the police station.

4. Compliance with Rules: Flex and banner installations must comply with BBMP guidelines, and Ganesh idols must adhere to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) guidelines. Organizers are required to have at least two responsible volunteers at the installation site 24/7 to prevent any untoward incidents.

5. Safety Measures: Organizers must install CCTV cameras at the venue and ensure that fire extinguishers are available. Emergency contact numbers of the local police station and fire department must be displayed. No cooking or storing of flammable materials is allowed near the idol installation.

6. Noise and Lighting: Adequate lighting should be maintained at the installation site. Sound systems should only be used between 6 AM and 10 PM, with prior permission from the local police. The use of DJ sound systems is strictly prohibited.

Responsibilities of Organizers:

– Organizers must manage crowd control effectively by setting up barricades and appointing volunteers to prevent overcrowding. They are also responsible for the safety of the installation and associated equipment.

– During the Ganesh idol procession and immersion, organizers must ensure no criminal activities occur. Any offenses during the procession will be the responsibility of the organizers.

– Organizers should also prevent any harassment or teasing of women during the events.

– They must provide the names, addresses, and contact numbers of the organizing committee members, including the president and secretary, to the respective police stations.

Guidelines for Visarjan (Immersion) Processions:

– During the visarjan procession, volunteers should be identifiable with badges, T-shirts, or caps. The procession route should not be altered under any circumstances. Deviations will result in legal action against the organizers.

– The visarjan processions must conclude by 10 PM. Organizers must ensure the safety of the route, including checking for electrical wires and tree branches, with necessary precautions obtained from relevant departments like the Forest and KEB.

The Commissioner emphasized that any violations of these guidelines will result in strict legal action.