Dharwad: Strict measures in place to ensure smooth celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi | Hubballi News

Dharwad:The district administration has initiated several measures to ensure that the Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a smooth, eco-friendly manner. Teams of officials from police and other departments have been formed to ensure that Ganesha idols made using plaster of paris (PoP) do not enter the district and are not installed and immersed in waterbodies.Charing a meeting of officials from different departments here on Saturday, deputy commissioner Divya Prabhu stated that come what may, the officials should not allow installation of idols made from PoP. Moreover, strict guidelines and monitoring is needed to check the immersion of idols into local tanks thus polluting them, she said.Accordingly, special teams have been formed at the district and taluk level and these teams have to regularly visit the workshops where Ganesha idols are made, market places and temples to check PoP idols.Firecracker sale guidelinesDC Divya said that specific locations have been designated for firecracker sales. Vendors have submitted applications for permission. Tahsildars, along with police and fire department officials, must conduct on-site inspections and take action as per rules. If any damage or mishap occurs, the shop owners will be held directly responsible. Kadapa Maidan in Dharwad and Nehru Maidan in Hubballi have been approved for firecracker sales. In Navalgund, the tahsildar has been directed to identify a suitable location and make recommendations.Promoting traditional clay Ganesha idols The public must be educated about making and worshipping traditional clay Ganesha idols and immersing them in a bucket of water at home. They should also be encouraged to reuse that clay to grow plants or saplings.The municipal corporation must approve public installation of Ganesha idols through a single-window system, especially promoting the installation of clay idols, DC Divya added.