No flex banners or PoP idols on Ganesha festival: BBMP Comm to officials

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has directed the formation of committees in 63 divisional offices involving BBMP, police, BESCOM, and fire department officials in Bengaluru.

During a recent meeting with officials from various departments, BBMP chief outlined the BBMP's plans for setting up a city center for idol immersion and urged for an eco-friendly Ganesha festival.

He directed officials to impose fines on those selling idols made of materials like plaster of paris and styrofoam, as well as using chemical colors, all of which are banned by the civic body.

Additionally, the use of flex or banners during the festival is prohibited, and citizens must obtain permission from the BBMP for idol installation and processions.

The BBMP is committed to ensuring that lakes are not polluted during the festival. Regarding the immersion of idols, the BBMP chief instructed officials to make necessary arrangements at lakes such as Sankey Tank, Halasuru lake, Yediyur lake, Hebbal lake, and others.

Mobile tanks will be set up in areas distant from lakes, and these tanks will be mobile during the festive season. Safety measures will include barricades, surveillance cameras, street lights, and skilled swimmers for emergencies during immersion.

In certain designated lakes, boats and water pumps will be deployed, and police will be present to ensure safety during processions around the lakes.