Pune Police has granted permission to use loudspeakers until midnight for the next six days during the ongoing Ganesh festival, which culminates with the grand Ganesh idol immersion processions.
This decision was made to allow citizens and devotees to fully enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere, which includes the famous displays of Gauri and Ganesh idols, late into the night.
The use of loudspeakers will be stopped after midnight, although the displays will continue to remain accessible for public viewing, said Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.
To ensure that the immersion procession takes place smoothly and without any incidents, a crucial coordination meeting was held on Thursday under the leadership of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.
Key officials from various departments, including Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, officials from Mahavitaran (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company), the Fire Department, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and Metro representatives attended the meeting.
Deputy Police Commissioner Praveen Patil elaborated on the purpose of the meeting, stating that while individual departments had already conducted preparatory meetings for the festival, this was the first joint coordination meeting.
Patil highlighted that although maintaining law and order is the primary responsibility of the police, other essential tasks such as managing road closures, placing barricades, and controlling street vendors during the immersion procession fall under the municipal corporation's jurisdiction.
During the meeting, discussions focused on specific logistical details, such as where barricades should be placed to ensure the safe passage of the procession, which routes should remain open for vehicular traffic, and where street vendors should be restricted to avoid congestion. These measures are seen as crucial to maintaining public safety and order during the festivities.
