Vinod M Jain
To encourage citizens to celebrate the Gauri-Ganesha festival in an environmentally responsible manner by installing eco-friendly idols,BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to raise public awareness on the issue.
Addressing a meeting held at the IPP Centre in Malleswaram regarding preparations for the upcoming Gauri-Ganesha festival, the Chief Commissioner stated that the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for making Ganesha idols is strictly prohibited within the city limits. He instructed officials to register cases against those involved in manufacturing idols using PoP.
He further informed that immersion of Ganesha idols will be facilitated at over 40 lakes across the city and at designated immersion tanks.
Proper arrangements will be made at all these sites, including barricading,deployment of trained swimmers, installation of lighting, and provision of cranes where necessary.
To ensure smooth operations at the immersion sites,he directed that adequate sanitation staff and transport vehicles be deployed for waste collection and disposal.
For security and monitoring,installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of police personnel was also instructed.
*Temporary Mobile Immersion Tanks:
In order to facilitate immersion of small household Ganesha idols,temporary mobile immersion tanks will be set up at key locations and junctions in each ward.
*Single-Window Clearance in 75 Sub-Divisions:
Permission for public installation of Ganesha idols will be granted through a single-window system involving officials from BBMP,Police,BESCOM, and Fire & Emergency Services across 75 sub-divisions in the city. Officials have been directed to take necessary action to implement this system.
The meeting was attended by Special Commissioners Suralkar Vikas Kishor,Karigowda, Naveen Kumar Raju, Zonal Commissioners,Satish,Digvijay Bodke,Snehal, Chief Engineers, and senior officials from the Police Department, BESCOM,and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
