Many yet to obtain permission for installing pandals

Amid security concerns that prevailed after alerts from the intelligence bureau and confusions over obtaining permission to erect Ganesh idols, the Bhagyanagar Utsava Samithi (BUS) has geared up to celebrate the 34th mass Ganesh Chaturthi festivities which will be held from September 9 to 18. As many as 66,000 idols are expected to be put up on the streets of the city this year as compared to the 60,000 idols that were put up last year.

For the last few days the Bhagyanagar Utsava Samithi (BUS) has been engaged in making arrangements for the upcoming festival. An office was inaugurated to oversee the festival’s preparations at Bahati Bavan in Siddiamber Bazar on August 9. Members of the BUS have been trying to coax the authorities into removing the mandatory rule of obtaining permission for setting up of Ganesh pandals. They are also seeking supply of electricity at a reasonable price and are arranging for the basic amenities that will be required at the pandals.

As per the guidelines set by police, devotees are required to obtain prior permission to erect Ganesh idols and to take out the immersion procession. The last date for taking permission was August 29 but many organisers are yet to obtain permission. Anurag Sharma, City Police Commissioner, has also issued orders prohibiting the forcible collection of 'chandas'. Similarly, organisers who will be installing idols in cellars of complexes and those who will be taking out a public procession should apply for a police clearance. However, the guidelines do not apply to Ganesh idols installed at private residences, as they are not accessible to the public.

On the other hand, when it comes to electricity supply, till last year eSeva centres authorities charged Rs 100 for a connection. But this year, sources say that they have decided to charge Rs 750 from the pandal organisers. Bhagwanth Rao, BUS, General Secretary, said, if the authorities continue to impose exorbitant charges, the issue of the hike would be brought to the notice of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar. He stated that the devotees and youth welfare associations were asked to intimate to the police about their idols. But Bhagwanth said that no such permission was required for installing the idols. He alleged that police personnel were harassing the devotees and associations by insisting upon permission being taken for installing their respective Ganesh idols.