The government has decided that the police station concerned should clear the proposals for installation of Ganesh idols for Vinayaka Chaturthi on mere “intimation” by organisers of pandals without the need for a formal application.
This was followed with representations by Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi to the effect that installation of an idol was part of the right to religion enshrined in the Constitution and it should not be subject to police permissions.
No decision yet
No decision, however, is taken on another request by the Samithi to provide electricity to pandals free of cost, pending further discussions.
Speaking to reporters after Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy reviewed the arrangements being made by for peaceful conduct of the Ganesh celebrations ending in immersions, with seven Ministers, Chief Secretary Minnie Mathew, officials of 18 connected departments and samithi leaders here on Friday, Home Minister P. Sabitha Reddy said the route map of the immersion procession in Hyderabad would be publicised one week in advance this time.
The Chief Minister assured that payment of compensation to the families of those who lost their lives during the immersions earlier, would be considered.
An estimated 50,000 Ganesh pandals would be set up in and around Hyderabad this year. Police would be deployed accordingly.
The other six Ministers present were M. Maheedhar Reddy, J. Geetha Reddy, D. K. Aruna, M. Mukesh, G. Prasad Kumar and K. Murali Mohan.
The Chief Minister noted that as part of preparations, a sum of Rs. 22 crore was being spent to give a facelift to the city roads with illumination and sanitation facilities. Over 364 cranes would be deployed along with boats and expert swimmers for immersions at tanks and lakes, including Hussainsagar.
Ambulances equipped with staff and drugs would be positioned. Drinking water supply would be ensured along the procession route. Additional RTC and MMTS services would be organised.
Ms Sabitha appealed to the people of the city to extend cooperation for peaceful conduct of the chaturthi events, recalling the religious amity for which it was known.
Any disturbance during the celebrations would tarnish the city’s image before the delegates from 193 nations who would attend the world biodiversity conference (October 1 to 19), she said.
