Visakhapatnam: The Vizag police department has so far received as many as 2,060 applications seeking permission to set up Ganesha pandals in the city. One more day remains for pandal organisers to apply for permission.
This is a sharp increase from the 1,840 pandals that were set up last year. The applications are being received online.
Meanwhile, officials say that they are being very strict with regards to implementation of rules. “There will be no chance of pandal organisers circumventing the guidelines set by the police department,” an official said.
Top cops informed that the idols measuring about 8 ft to 10 ft should be immersed on the spot. The organisers should be available at the pandals all the time, and the QR code generated by the police department should be displayed at all the pandals.
Police constables will take the photograph of the QR Code and the pandal, and these will be uploaded online every day. The online applications are being handled by Zebi Data India using blockchain technology.
The police department has also asked the pandal organisers to provide details of the vehicles that take part in the procession during the immersion. All the vehicles should also get RTA checks done before the procession.
Specific measures should be followed regarding electricity connections and pollution. Though the officials are trying to encourage clay idols, there are still many people who prefer the more visually appealing Plaster of Paris idols.
Special instructions were given to control the sound systems near locations like schools and hostels. As the exams of Village Secretaries will be ongoing during this period, the police department is making sure that there are no loudspeakers near examination halls.
Meanwhile, officials are reviewing the immersion arrangements.
Vizag administration will set up 19 immersion points, each equipped with a cranes.
The administration will also utilise the services of 385 swimmers, along with State Disaster Response Force and marine forces as part of the safety measures.
SB ADCP K. Srinivas Rao said, “We have received more applications than last year. The arrangements are done. The police commissioner is monitoring the arrangements personally. We will ensure no untoward incidents during the immersion.”
