The Belagavi district administration has stepped up preparations for Ganeshotsav, with a focus on road repairs, uninterrupted power supply, security and better facilities for citizens during the festival and immersion procession.
District Collector Mohammad Roshan held a meeting with office-bearers of the Ganesh Utsav Mahamandal and discussed arrangements for the festival.
Electricity bills for Ganesh pandals waived
In a major relief to Ganesh Mandals, the administration has decided to waive electricity charges for Ganesh pandals this year.
The expense will be shared equally, with 50% being borne by the district administration and the remaining 50% by the Belagavi Municipal Corporation.
No DJs during Ganeshotsav
City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse said there will be a complete ban on DJs during the festival. The police had imposed a similar restriction last year, which was welcomed by senior citizens.
At a meeting held at Kumar Gandharva Kala Mandir on Thursday, the Commissioner issued several guidelines for Ganesh Mandals.
Public Ganesh idols have been restricted to a maximum height of 12 feet. Large idols must also have hooks installed to facilitate smooth handling during immersion.
Mandaps should not obstruct traffic, and organisers have been asked to cooperate with the police to manage traffic and maintain public safety.
CCTV mandatory at mandaps
As part of the security arrangements, a police officer will be deployed at every Ganesh Mandal.
CCTV cameras will be mandatory at all mandaps to prevent incidents such as theft, chain-snatching and pickpocketing.
Obscene songs on loudspeakers are prohibited. The use of loudspeakers and generation of loud noise after 10 pm will also not be permitted.
100 roads to be monitored
Road repairs have been given priority, particularly roads affected by the ongoing L&T works. Suggestions from Ganesh Utsav Mahamandal office-bearers will also be considered while identifying roads requiring urgent attention.
Around 100 roads in the city will be monitored. The responsibility for specific roads will be assigned to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, district administration officials and Ganesh Mahamandal representatives.
The Collector said L&T has been directed to complete the required road repair works within 20 days.
Live immersion procession at major grounds
The Municipal Corporation is planning a new facility for citizens this year by setting up galleries and large LED screens at two or three major grounds, including Sardar Maidan and Sambhaji Maidan.
The Ganesh idol immersion procession will be shown live on the LED screens, allowing citizens to watch the procession from the galleries instead of standing in crowded streets.
Hawking zones are also proposed at these grounds, where food and snacks can be made available to visitors.
The district administration, Municipal Corporation, police department and Ganeshotsav Mahamandal will work together to ensure that the festival is conducted peacefully, safely and with improved facilities for citizens, Collector Mohammad Roshan said.