Hyderabad: Police issue guidelines on Ganesh pandals

Hyderabad: Organisers and people planning to instal Ganesh idols in public places in the city must obtain prior permission and failure to do so might invite stern action against them, Hyderabad police commissioner Anurag Sharma said here on Wednesday and warned that forcible collection of chandas (donations) would also not be allowed. Sharma said organisers of pandals should get permission in writing from the commissioner of police (ACP) of the division concerned.

Application forms for idol installation and processions, available at all the police stations in the city from September 1 to 5, should be submitted at the police stations concerned on or before September 8. Applications received later are liable to be rejected. “Application forms should clearly mention the place and date of installtion and the time, route and destination of the proposed immersion procession,” Sharma said Organisers will have to strictly adhere to the routes and timings indicated in the permission slip.

“Groups seeking permission for installation should furnish a no- objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the premises or land. Installation will be permitted only at places where it does not obstruct free flow of traffic and where there is no threat to public peace and order,” he asserted.

Organisers and people planning to instal Ganesh idols in public places in the city must obtain prior permission.

The police commissioner also said that no unauthorised electricity connection at pandals would be permitted. Organisers will have to apply for the same to the APCPDCL and obtain permission. Use of loudspeakers will be restricted to box-type speakers and permission will have to be taken both by the organisers who hire the equipment and the dealers/company supplying the equipment. A loudspeaker or a public address system shall not be used between 10 pm and 6 am as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Volunteers must be provided with suitable identity cards/ badges.

The above instructions do not apply to Ganesh idols installed in private residences. The festivities will commence on September 19 with the installation of Idols and conclude on September 29 with the final immersion procession.

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