Pune: In preparation for the Ganesh festival, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have announced stringent security measures across the city.
From September 7 to 17, encompassing the entire duration of the festival from the arrival of Lord Ganesha to the immersion ceremonies, police forces will be on high alert to ensure a peaceful celebration and prevent any disruptions.
To safeguard the festival, a significant deployment of police personnel will be stationed throughout the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate's jurisdiction.
The extensive force will include one Joint Commissioner of Police, an Additional Commissioner, six Deputy Commissioners, 11 Assistant Commissioners, 53 Police Inspectors, 245 Assistant Inspectors and Sergeants, 2,338 police constables, 550 Home Guards, one State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) company, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), and 11 Rapid Response Strike Units.
Pimpri-Chinchwad police stations have already conducted meetings with Ganesh mandals and peace committees to outline the security measures.
These meetings emphasized the importance of celebrating the festival with enthusiasm while maintaining peace and preventing any law and order issues.
Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey has urged citizens and members of the Ganesh mandals to comply with all police directives to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.
Mandals have been advised to minimize the use of loudspeakers and adhere to noise control regulations. Public Ganesh mandals are required to install CCTV cameras in areas where idols are installed.
The use of sound systems and lighting should remain within the legal limits, and noise levels should be strictly controlled. Police have reminded mandals that, as per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, loudspeakers are prohibited within 100 meters of hospitals, educational institutions, courts, and clinics.
Additionally, the police have warned against the use of plastic during the festivities. The Maharashtra Government has banned plastic bags and other plastic items, and failure to comply will result in punitive action.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has emphasized that unauthorized hawkers will not be allowed, and minimal temporary stalls selling garlands, coconuts, sweets, and prasad will be permitted near public mandals. Sufficient open spaces must be maintained to allow free movement for ambulances, essential service vehicles, and rickshaws.