Officials call for orderly celebrations, stricter compliance
Belagavi district officials on Thursday urged Ganesh Mandals, artisans and other stakeholders to ensure the upcoming Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in a manner that projects harmony and public order, while warning of strict enforcement of safety and sound regulations.
The preparatory meeting, held at Kumar Gandharva Bhavan, was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and attended by Mayor Preeti Kamkar, Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase and representatives of Ganesh Mandals and idol-makers. Officials emphasised coordination among various agencies to handle the expected rise in population and festival-related activity.
“Let us celebrate Ganesh Utsav in a way that sets an example for the country,”
Roshan asked Mandals to cooperate with the administration and follow prescribed norms on idol height, electrical decorations and pandal construction. He directed that CCTV cameras be installed in pandals and said all relevant safety rules must be observed. The meeting also reiterated compliance with Supreme Court directives on noise levels during public celebrations.
Sound, timing and DJ restrictions; police capacity highlighted
Officials reminded organisers that music systems must adhere to sound limits set by the Supreme Court. The use of DJs is prohibited, and obscene songs must not be broadcast. Limits on loudspeaker use after 10 p.m. were underlined to prevent disturbance and legal violations.
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase highlighted operational constraints faced by the force during festivals. The city’s resident population rises significantly during such events — to around 14 lakh — but the available police strength is limited. According to updates shared at the meeting, there are roughly 1,540 police officers on the force, including traffic personnel, who will be tasked with routine duties alongside festival security.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated population during festival | 14 lakh |
| Police strength (including traffic) | 1,540 |
Borase asked Mandals to work in close coordination with the police. He said regular patrols and stationary teams would be deployed at sensitive locations, and appealed for public cooperation to ease the burden on security personnel during peak days.
Infrastructure checks, water-services and road repairs
The district administration has mobilised multiple departments to finish preparatory work before Ganesh Chaturthi. Officials said L&T, the firm responsible for water supply in the city, has been directed to repair potholes on main roads and complete pending works at the earliest. The Deputy Commissioner noted that he, the Police Commissioner and the Municipal Commissioner will conduct inspections of key sites to ensure compliance.
- Mandatory installation of CCTV in pandals.
- Adherence to idol-height and electrical safety norms.
- Ban on DJs and restrictions on loudspeaker use after 10 p.m.
- Increased police patrols and stationary security at sensitive spots.
- Municipal and water agency drives to repair roads and clear pending works.
Officials said departments have already begun collaborative work to finalise arrangements well before Ganesh Chaturthi. The emphasis at the meeting was on preventing untoward incidents through planning, community cooperation and strict adherence to legal and safety guidelines.
The directives come as Belagavi prepares to host large numbers of visitors during the festival period, placing additional responsibilities on civic agencies and local committees to maintain public safety and order.
