Deputy Commissioner N. Jayaram, City Police Commissioner T.G. Krishna Bhat and Superintendent of Police B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda have appealed to the people to celebrate the Vinayaka Chaturti festival in a peaceful manner without disrupting social harmony.
At a preparatory meeting here on Tuesday, they appealed to the representatives of mandals to follow the guidelines on the use of audio systems and the height of the idol. They were also told not to violate the ban on idols made of Plaster of Paris and the restrictions, particularly during the immersion procession.
Representatives of the Madhyavarthi Sree Ganesh Mahamandal and heads of departments were present.
Mr. Jayaram said the mandals might submit their applications for permissions at the single window agencies to be set up in four zones in the city between August 15 and August 20. Officials would clear them by August 25, 10 days before the beginning of the festival.
The officials should cite reasons for denial of permission, he said, and added that peace committee meetings at police stations and with the mandals would be held soon.
Sambhaji L. Patil, MLA, who was also present, asked officials of the Belagavi City Corporation and the Public Works Department to fill potholes before the commencement of the festival.
There are nearly 3,000 Ganesh Mandals in the district, of which 250 are identified as located in sensitive areas
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board will set up 15 mobile water tanks for immersion of Ganesh idols
There are 12 ponds and artificial tanks for the purpose in Belagavi city
The district administration will ban sale of liquor on the last day of the festivities
