Hyderabad Police review safety measures for Ganesh festival, urge idol makers to adhere to guidelines
The Hyderabad City Police has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Ganesh festival with a focus on ensuring safe idol installations, accident-free processions and an
The Hyderabad City Police has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Ganesh festival with a focus on ensuring safe idol installations, accident-free processions and an eco-friendly celebration. Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar held a coordination meeting with Ganesh idol makers at the TGICCC Mini Conference Hall in Banjara Hills on Thursday, following discussions with representatives of the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi. Sajjanar stressed the need for preventive measures at every stage, from idol-making and transportation to installation and immersion, to avoid any untoward incidents. He said nearly 23,000 idols were installed within the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits last year and four accidents occurred during their transportation.
The officer directed idol makers to strictly follow safety guidelines during the manufacturing process and said that, as decided during discussions with the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi, the maximum height of idols should be restricted to 16 feet. He also urged makers to promote the use of clay idols and encourage devotees to opt for smaller idols that can be easily immersed. He directed workshops to maintain fire safety standards, ensure proper electrical wiring and keep premises free from hazardous chemicals. The Commissioner said the police, in coordination with other government departments, would extend necessary support and facilitate basic infrastructure required by idol makers.
On transportation arrangements, Sajjanar said dedicated entry and exit routes would be planned for the movement of idols from major manufacturing hubs including Dhoolpet, Jalpally and Mailardevpally into the city. He advised against transporting large idols during peak traffic hours and asked transporters to coordinate with traffic police in advance for necessary clearances. Idol makers were instructed to share booking details regularly with local Law & Order and Traffic Police officials to help monitor movement and maintain law and order. They were also directed to provide advance information about the arrival schedule and routes of idols to respective pandals.
For transportation of exceptionally large idols, he said detailed plans must be prepared in coordination with police officials to ensure that overhead power lines, flyovers and metro structures do not pose hurdles. He added that cranes and vehicles used for loading and unloading idols must be certified and operated only by experienced personnel.
The BriefWire