As preparations for Ganesh Utsav begin in Chhattisgarh, the Raipur district administration has issued detailed guidelines to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the festival. A meeting was held on Tuesday with Ganesh Utsav committees, attended by Additional Collector Umashankar Bande and Additional SP Lakhan Patel, where several key issues were discussed.
Permission Mandatory for Pandals
Officials made it clear that committees must seek prior administrative permission before setting up pandals on roads. Unauthorized pandals will invite strict action. The administration also stressed that all committees must strictly follow NGT and government guidelines throughout the festival.
Ban on Loudspeakers After 10 PM
According to the guidelines, the use of loudspeakers will be strictly prohibited after 10 pm. Additionally, installation of CCTV cameras in every pandal has been made compulsory. In case of requirement, the administration will assist in arranging CCTV facilities. Committees will also have to deploy their own volunteers, with special night surveillance duties.
Safety Instructions for Organizers
For safety, the administration has directed that the height of tableaux must be maintained at a safe distance from electric wires. Committees must ensure proper arrangements for generators and wiring. Lists of members and volunteers should be submitted to the nearest police station. Organizers have also been advised to ensure that children and elderly persons avoid participating in immersion processions to prevent accidents.
Ganesh Immersion Only at Mahadev Ghat
The administration has designated Mahadev Ghat as the only site for Ganesh immersion. During immersion, the presence of fire extinguishers, firefighters, and trained volunteers will be mandatory. Display of weapons of any kind will be completely banned. All immersion materials will have to be disposed of at sites fixed by the Municipal Corporation.
Designated Routes for Tableaux
A specific route has been finalized for tableaux: Sharda Chowk → Malviya Road → Kotwali Chowk → Sadar Bazaar → Satti Bazaar → Kankalipara → Purani Basti Police Station → Lily Chowk → Lakhe Nagar → Raipura Chowk → Mahadev Ghat. Meanwhile, tableaux movement has been completely banned from Shastri Chowk to Jayastambh Chowk.
