Officials appeal to people of Mandya dist. to celebrate Ganesha festival, Id Milad in peaceful manner

The Hindu

4 hours ago

The Mandya district administration has appealed to the people to celebrate the upcoming Ganesha festival and Id Milad in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
Presiding over the meeting held on the premises of Mandya Zilla Panchayat, Deputy Commissioner Kumar said the permission was mandatory for public installation of Ganesha idols.
The organisers should apply for permission at the single window counters set up in taluk offices, mentioning the date of installation, duration, date and place of immersion, and the route map for processions. This, he said, would help the authorities make arrangements for police security, installation of CCTV cameras and barricades, power supply, and fire safety.
If the locals preferred a common place for immersion, the district administration can facilitate the same by making necessary arrangements more effectively, he said. The organisers should also accord priority to cleanliness and hygiene particularly while arranging community feasts, he said.
Even though Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols are not manufactured locally, Dr. Kumar advised the public against buying them.
Superintendent of Police, Mandya, Mallikarjun Baladandi urged the organisers not to schedule the immersion of Ganesah idols on Id Milad day, which falls on September 5.
He suggested that the idols be installed on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi itself and not the following dates. Mr. Baladandi said the organisers should stick to the route map approved by the police for the immersion procession.
He said taluk level meetings will be held to issue detailed instructions in this regard, and said strict vigil will be kept on those who indulge in mischief and attempt to incite communal disturbances.
While urging the locals to alert the police if they notice any suspicious activities, Mr. Baladandi said the police were also monitoring social media posts and fake news. Stern action will be taken against the offenders, he warned.
Chief Executive Officer of Mandya Zilla Panchayat K.R. Nandini urged the people to install small clay idols painted with natural colour, for the immersion of PoP idols in lakes pollutes the waterbody, leading to long-term environmental damage, she said.
She said the State Pollution Control Board was also planning to conduct training at taluk level for children to make clay Ganesha idols. As children normally install idols in their neighbourhoods, they should be encouraged to make and worship idols crafted by themselves, she said.
Ms. Nandini also suggested that seeds be mixed in the clay so that after immersion, saplings will grow out of them. While a section of the community leaders sought permission for traditional folk performances such as Dollu Kunita, Tamate, and Veeragase at Ganesha venues, another section requested for simplification of conditions for Id Milad procession.
Also, the leaders of different communities, who participated in the meeting, assured that no community will cause disturbances. The participants also suggested that the police should announce the date for idol immersion and install more CCTV cameras. Additional Superintendent of Police Thimmaiah was present at the meeting.