Police gear up for Ganesh and Dasara festivities with foolproof security arrangements in Andhra Pradesh

Artisans busy crafting various types of Ganesh idols at Nunna Mango Market in Vijayawada.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. Rao

Police are making elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the nine-day Ganesh Utsavams and Dasara Navaratri Utsavams across the State. Review meetings are being held with officers to finalise bandobust plans.

“The Ganesh Utsava Samiti members must obtain prior permission from the police for erecting pandals and take measures to prevent clashes and fire accidents,” a police officer said on Sunday. “We will also hold meetings with Samiti members, committee organisers, and local leaders to ensure peaceful celebrations.”

The Samiti, which met on Sunday, appealed to district, mandal, and village organisers to secure permissions from the Police, Fire, and other relevant departments, and to cooperate with officials for a trouble-free conduct of the festivities. Organisers have been asked to submit immersion (Nimajjanam) dates in advance to ease traffic management and facilitate arrangements at river ghats and other water bodies.

Police said details such as the height of the Ganesh idol, name of the pandal organiser, fire-fighting arrangements, date of immersion, and procession routes must be provided for the Ganesh Navaratri Utsavams, which begin on August 27.

Dasara arrangements

For the Dasara Navaratri Utsavams atop Indrakeeladri and other locations in Vijayawada, more than 5,000 police personnel will be deployed. Measures will be taken to prevent thefts and other crimes during the nine-day celebrations.

At a joint meeting on Dasara arrangements, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu, and Sri Durga Malleswaraswamy Devasthanam Executive Officer V.K. Seena Naik, among others, reviewed security and other preparations for the Navaratri Utsavams, which commence on September 22.