Mandya administration promises swift Ganesha permissions, warns troublemakers of strict action

Celebrate Ganesha festival peacefully, miscreants will face strict action: Mandya DC

The Mandya district administration has put in place a single-window system to grant permissions for Ganesha idol installations within 24 hours, while warning of strict legal action against anyone disturbing public order during the upcoming Gowri-Ganesha festival.

Deputy Commissioner Kumar made the announcement at a taluk-level harmony meeting in Nagamangala, where he assured all necessary cooperation and police security to enable peaceful celebrations.

No festival should be celebrated in fear

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that no festival should be celebrated in an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. He stated there should be no scope for incidents that could provoke communal sentiments in Mandya district, which is known for its spirit for communal amity.

Referring to the district's recent history, Mr. Kumar said some incidents that had occurred in the district over the past two years were a black mark on the system. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and ensure that such incidents do not recur.

"Every member of society should act responsibly to ensure that activities disturbing harmony and communal amity are prevented," he said.

Responsibility to guide youngsters

The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that "no one is above the law and everyone should respect the law," adding that it is everyone's responsibility to guide the youngsters, who are led astray, and prevent them from engaging in anti-social activities.

"Everyone should take up the responsibility of counselling those intending to disrupt harmony," he said.

Single-window clearance for permissions

Making it clear that installation of Ganesha idols in public places requires permission, Mr. Kumar said the applicants need not visit the offices of different departments for this purpose.

"Officials from the police, revenue, fire and local-body departments will sit together at a single location, conduct inspections and issue permission within 24 hours under a single-window system," he said.

The documents required for obtaining permission have also been simplified, and associations and members of the public installing Ganesha idols should cooperate with the district administration, he said.

Police directives on processions and security

Superintendent of Mandya district police V.J. Shobharaji, who also attended the meeting, said the date for installing and immersing Ganesha idols and the routes for processions should be finalised in consultation with the police department and followed accordingly.

Necessary police security arrangements will be made based on these plans, Ms. Shobharani said. She added that the use of DJs will not be permitted. Loudspeakers should be used within prescribed volumes in residential areas, she said.

In view of the safety of women and girls, CCTV cameras should be installed near Ganesha pandals, the Superintendent of Police said. Necessary safety measures must be made mandatory during immersion to prevent any untoward incidents, she said.

Social media monitoring and immersion safety

The Superintendent of Police said trained personnel have been deployed at every police station in Mandya district to monitor social media. She appealed to people to exercise caution while publishing posts, posters or reels on social media so that they do not violate the law or hurt the sentiments of any community.

The municipal officials were also directed to install electric lights, barricades and CCTV cameras during the mass immersion of Ganesha idols in the town.

Ms. Shobharani also instructed the authorities to deploy a crane and trained swimmers during the immersion and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident.

Source: The Hindu