Bengaluru : Revenue Minister Mr R Ashoka said that the BBMP will set up temporary ponds at lakes for immersion of Ganesha idols. “No organiser will be permitted to get into the pond for immersion. Instead, there will be a designated place for placing the idols. The BBMP will temporarily hire expert swimmers who will immerse the idols. A team of ACP-level police officers and AEE-rank officers will oversee the immersion process and Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Besides these, mobile tanks will visit neighbourhoods. These mobile tanks will be fitted with mikes where announcements will be made for people to immerse the idols kept at home. Those planning to conduct Ganesha programmes need to get permission from BBMP to conduct the programme. If there are any additional requests to organise Ganeshotsav in a ward, the police inspector and AEE will take a call”, he added.

Ganeshotsav allowed with riders

R Ashoka also said that the State Government has permitted to organise Ganeshotsav in a traditional and simple way. Speaking to the media after a green signal was given by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Mr Ashoka said, “I urge people to celebrate Ganesha Chaturthi in a simple and traditional manner. The height of the Ganesha idols in pandals should not exceed more than four feet and two feet at homes. The organisers of public pandals should get prior permission from local bodies. Only one Ganesha pandal per ward will be encouraged. The Ganeshotsav should be celebrated for a maximum of five days. More than 20 people are not allowed to take part in public pandals. The organisers should mandatorily hold Covid negative report and Covid vaccine certificate. The organizers are encouraged to conduct vaccination drives during the programme for locals. The pandals should be erected in such a way that there is no obstruction of traffic. During the Ganeshotsav, there is a complete ban on organising any kind of cultural, musical, dance, DJ or any sort of entertainment programmes. All kinds of procession including those while bringing the idol and during immersion are completely banned.”