Hubballi-Dharwad police make arrangements for Ganesha Chaturthi

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Police officers taking out a march on the eve of Ganesha Chaturthi, in Hubballi on Sunday (September 13). | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE

The Hubballi-Dharwad police have made all security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Ganesha festival.

Police officers have made elaborate security, traffic and public-safety arrangements to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a peaceful, safe and joyful atmosphere.

The entire strength of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police will be deployed for bandobast duties. In addition, officers and personnel from other parts of the State have been requisitioned, said a release from Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabrao.

The festival will be celebrated from September 14 to 25 across the twin cities.

A total of 500 Home Guards, eight CAR platoons, 16 KSRP platoons, and one company of Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be deployed.

The traffic police will use the city corporation’s CCTV cameras to maintain surveillance at important and sensitive locations. More than 30 drones will also be deployed for aerial surveillance during the festival and processions. The Social Media Cell of Hubballi-Dharwad City Police will function round the clock to monitor social media platforms and respond to any misinformation, rumours or objectionable content that may affect public peace and communal harmony.

A dedicated website has been prepared to provide information regarding the locations of Ganesha pandals and designated parking places, particularly for citizens and visitors coming to Hubballi-Dharwad for the festival. To facilitate smooth movement of processions and general traffic, a special drive for removal of abandoned vehicles from public roads will commence from Monday (September 14).

Citizens are requested to assist the police by sharing photographs and locations of abandoned vehicles noticed in their areas on the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police WhatsApp number: 9480802002 or social media handles of the city police.

All Ganesha Mandals are requested to take adequate safety precautions during the festival. Particular care should be taken while undertaking electrical cabling and decorative lighting to prevent electrical accidents. Every pandal should preferably keep a fire extinguisher, water bucket and sand bucket readily available to deal with any fire-related emergency. Mandals are also advised to install CCTV cameras in and around their pandals. During the night, adequate volunteers should remain present at the pandal for security and safety. Pandals should be erected in such a manner that sufficient road space remains available at all times for the unhindered movement of ambulances, fire tenders, police vehicles and other emergency services.

Ganesha Mandals have been asked not to use more than four bases and four tops as anything above that will not meet the guidelines of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Music and sound systems used at Ganesha pandals and during processions must strictly comply with the permissible limits and timings prescribed under the Noise Pollution Rules.

Laser lights and excessively loud or hazardous sound systems/devices should not be used. Such equipment can cause serious discomfort and may pose risks to the health and safety of citizens, including hearing-related injuries. The police will use a mobile app ‘Sound Meter: SPL and dB meter’ to measure the sound of any music system used during the festival. It has been calibrated with a device used by the Pollution Control Board.

DJ operators and owners will be held directly responsible for violations attributable to the sound systems/equipment operated by them, and action will be taken in accordance with law. The Hubballi-Dharwad City police appeals to all Ganesha Mandals, organisers, volunteers and citizens to cooperate with the police and civic authorities and celebrate the festival with devotion, discipline, safety and responsibility.

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