Hans News Service Hyderabad

Toensure that the upcoming Ganesh Festival is celebrated in a peaceful, secure, and eco-friendly manner, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar stated that the maximum height of idols should be restricted to 16 feet and emphasized the vital importance of taking proactive safety measures across all stages from installation to final immersion. Recalling that nearly 23,000 idols were installed under the City Commissionerate jurisdiction last year, during which four accidents occurred during transit, the commissioner instructed idol makers to strictly adhere to safety norms right from the crafting stage to avoid any mishaps this year.

During a review meeting with Ganesh idol makers on July 30 at the TGICCC in Banjara Hills, VC Sajjanar said that in line with discussions held with the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi, the maximum height of idols must be restricted to 16 feet. The Commissioner urged idol makers to fulfill their social responsibility by encouraging the use of clay idols and creating awareness among devotees to opt for smaller, easily immersible options. He directed artisans to implement proper fire safety measures at workshops, ensure safe electrical wiring, and maintain clean premises free from hazardous chemicals. VC Sajjanar assured that the Police Department, in coordination with various government agencies, would facilitate necessary basic infrastructure for idol makers.

Outlining directives on traffic regulation and safe transportation, VC Sajjanar announced that dedicated entry and exit routes are being designated for the safe movement of idols from major manufacturing hubs such as Dhoolpet, Jalpally, and Mailardevpally into the city. He advised against transporting massive idols during peak traffic hours and instructed transporters to inform local traffic police in advance to obtain clearance. Furthermore, he made it clear that advance information regarding the arrival schedule and transit routes of idols to their respective pandals must be mandatorily provided.

For transporting exceptionally large idols, prior transport plans must be prepared in coordination with the police to ensure that overhead power lines, flyovers, and metro structures remain unobstructed. The Commissioner warned that strict legal action would be initiated against anyone violating safety regulations.