Visakhapatnam: Cops launch QR code to check violations

Visakhapatnam: Vizag city has geared up for Ganesh puja on Friday but many organisers of Ganesh pandals are finding it difficult to obtain permission from the police department. The city police have received nearly over 1,100 applications from the organisers of Ganesh pandals in the city and majority of applicants are waiting for the necessary permission to perform the Ganesh puja. Though police have launched a website www.ganesh.vizag.co to receive applications from the organisers of Ganesh pandals, cops have received only 50 applications through online and over 1,060 applications through offline.

DCP Dr K. Fakirappa said that for the first time they have started the QR code system for easy process and as per the code, each idol in the pandals, which are erected by the organisers will be given QR code. The code will be scanned by police and the idea is to see that the organisers follow the checklist that has been given to them, he added.  If they are not followed the police instructions, we will initiate action against them, he added.

The DCP formed an 80-member team and each member of the team is equipped with a tab. The team members will visit each pandal on daily basis and scan the QR code. Once the QR code is scanned we will get all the details of the pandal. And this will make the  cops accountable and check the safety aspects such as fire safety norms, electrical connections norms and arrangements made by the organisers to handle the rush. The DCP said that the QR code will give a geo-mapping position of the Ganesh pandal and the design of the pandal and picture of the Ganesh idol will be uploaded on the Google map.