Belagavi: To ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations during the 11-day Ganesh festival, the Belagavi Police Commissionerate has imposed a complete ban on DJ sound systems. Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse said the ban, which was enforced last year as well, received positive feedback, particularly from senior citizens.Public Ganesha idols in the city will be restricted to a maximum height of 12 feet. Ganesh mandals have also been directed to install proper hooks on larger idols to ensure smooth and timely immersion and avoid delays during processions.Addressing a Ganeshotsav preparatory meeting, Borse said organisers must ensure that pandals do not obstruct traffic. He urged mandals to cooperate with the police to ensure the safety and convenience of the city’s nearly 14 lakh residents and to prevent congestion during the festivities.Police have also prohibited the playing of obscene songs through loudspeakers. No sound systems or loudspeakers will be allowed after 10pm.As part of the security arrangements, police personnel will be deployed at every Ganesh mandal, while CCTV cameras have been made mandatory at all pandals to help prevent thefts, chain-snatching and pickpocketing.The commissioner directed all mandals to strictly follow the guidelines and cooperate with the police to ensure a safe and harmonious festival.
