Police to issue conditional approvals for Ganesh Mandals in Belagavi

The Belagavi Police have laid out some conditions for Ganesh Mandals that need to be met to install idols and to conduct the arrival and immersion processions.

These conditions are based on directives issued by the Supreme Court and other courts, existing laws and rules and regulations to maintain law and order, according to officials.

The main conditions include prohibition of disco Jockey music systems, strict adhere to noise levels and organising processions so as not to disrupt traffic. The arrival procession needs to be completed between August 23 and August 27.

There will be action against provocative posts on social media or on banners during festival time. Food stalls will be allowed at night but there will be no loud music after 10 p.m.

Residents may call 112 to inform about any inconvenience caused by loud music after 10 p.m. Banners or flags should be hosted only on private property. Anything on public property will be removed.

Mandals should take steps to ensure that there is free access to ambulances and Fire and Emergency Services vehicles during the installation of idols. All pandals in public places should leave space for vehicle movement and no public road should be blocked. The use of firecrackers is prohibited on September 6, as there will be about one lakh people on the streets of Belagavi.

Mandals shall follow procession routes and other traffic arrangements. Mandals should register their names and contact details of at least five volunteers with the local police.

The officials said that NWKRTC will provide late night buses for general public coming to participate in the festival in the city. Police squads will conduct inspections for alcohol, narcotics and arms during the festival.