No loudspeakers after 10 pm, BBMP permissions to build pandals: Bengaluru Police guidelines for Gowri-Ganesha festival

Ahead of the Gowri-Ganesha festival on September 7, the Bengaluru City Police has rolled out a long list of security protocols and guidelines to maintain law and order during the celebrations. Ganesha statues are installed across the city during the festival and immersion processions are held on different days.

As per these guidelines, all organisers must take necessary permissions from local police stations before installing idols in public spaces. Organisers must also take permissions from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for building pandals or erecting shamiyans in public spaces.

Ganesha statues cannot be installed without prior permission from the property owner and the police in case of disputed locations, reports The Indian Express. The guidelines also say that the use of loudspeakers has been restricted from 6 am to 10 pm, keeping in mind the elderly, school children and the general public.

DJs and high-volume sound systems are also strictly prohibited. Police have ordered two responsible persons from each organizing committee to be present at the idol installation site 24/7 to prevent any untoward incidents.

CCTV cameras must be installed and emergency numbers must be posted at the venue. Organizers must also ensure the availability of fire extinguishers at the venue. The use of cooking fuel, including wood, kerosene or stoves, is prohibited in and around the idol installation sites.

During processions with the participation of the faithful, organizers will have to issue volunteers with ID badges, T-shirts or caps to ensure the smooth running of the procession.

Moreover, the organisers will also have to follow specific environmental guidelines as per the directives of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. The bans on flex, hoardings and banners imposed by the Karnataka High Court will also remain in force.

Police have issued orders to ensure that the installations do not block public traffic or vehicles, particularly on busy roads.

They also issued a warning against illegal fundraising for idol installation and related events, stressing that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in such activities.