Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Sep 1: Idols prepared using POP may neither be used nor immersed. Idols with chemical colours also should not be used. Suitable legal action will be taken if anybody uses them. Deputy commissioner Jagadeesha has asked environment officers to inform him of the action taken by them in this connection. He was speaking about maintaining law and order and prevention of environment pollution in a preliminary meeting on the eve of Ganeshotsava festival.

Ganapathi idol should not be immersed anywhere or on roadside. Civic commissioner said that places requested by organizers are checked and idol immersion is allowed only in places where there is no objection for it.

Organizers should hold celebrations only after obtaining permission from all the concerned departments. Mikes should not be too loud. There should be no DJ during processions. Mikes can be used only between 6 am and 10 pm. Volume of mikes installed as per government rule should be within 55 decibels in residential areas and 65 decibels in commercial areas.

Police permission should be obtained for immersion procession. Bars should be closed mandatorily. Programme organizers will be responsible for the participants dancing in the influence of alcohol and for disturbances. Money should not be collected by force as contributions during the celebrations.

Assistant environment officer of pollution control board said that he has already visited the places where idols are being prepared. “Both they and the people are informed about the rules in meetings. There will be no untoward incidents in Udupi as even schools and colleges are informed,” he said.

SP Nisha James said that mikes can be installed only between 6 am and 10 pm whether indoors or outdoors. “We will take action if we receive complaints. Supreme Court has said that DJ cannot be used in processions.” She asked to observe the following conditions and obtain permissions before immersion of idols.

1. Letter of permission from local administration should be obtained if it is a public place and from the owner of the place if it is a private property.

2. No objection letter from Mesco.

3. No objection letter from Fire Brigade

4. Permission from local administration should be obtained for hanging banners, buntings or flex. A copy of such letters should be handed over to the nearest police station and the conditions in them should be compulsorily followed.

5. Police department should be informed about immersion procession and its permission should be obtained.

6. Volunteers should be appointed for security of pandals and security during procession and their details should be submitted to the police station. Volunteers should always be present at pandals.

7. CCTV should be mandatorily installed at pandals.

8. There should be no cooking at pandals and cleanliness should be adhered to.

9. The immersion should begin on time and end before 10 pm. Unpleasant incidents such as theft or accidents take place if otherwise. Alternative arrangements should be made to prevent problems due to technical reasons.

10. Care should be taken during immersion. Swimmers, lighting and barricades should be in place.

Deputy Commissioner asked officials to be present at the center during the festival.