Chennai police ban bursting of firecrackers at Vinayaka Chaturthi procession routes, immersion points

Senior police officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police Prem Anand Sinha (South), and joint commissioners R Sibi Chakravarthi, (South Zone), and B Shamoondeshwari (North Zone), Tuesday held a meeting with around 200 representatives from 29 outfits that will be organising the festival.

The organisers include Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bharatiya Janata Party, Hindu Munnani, Hindu Makkal Katchi, Shiv Sena, Hindu Hanuman Sena, Bharat Hindu Munnani, etc.

According to the police, the directions of the Madras High Court and guidelines of the Tamil Nadu government should be followed for the smooth conduct of the event comprising idol installation, taking out processions, etc.

The owners of the land where the idols are to be installed should obtain permission from the local bodies concerned, the highway department or other government departments. They should have obtained an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Fire and Rescue Department, Electricity Board, etc.

It was noted that the height of the statue to be installed should not exceed 10 feet from the base of the platform. To prevent untoward incidents, the police have asked the organisers to ensure that no one shouts or chants anything that incites religious hatred or hurts the sentiments of other religions.

Further, the organisers have been informed to deploy two volunteers on a 24-hour rotation to ensure the safety of the idols. The police have directed not to place any banner or billboard in support of any political parties or religious leaders at the worship point.

The officials have asked the organisers to comply with fire safety rules and periodically monitor electrical wire connections, and pandals to avoid accidents. On the days permitted for idol immersion, the statues of Ganesh should be carried on specific four-wheelers on permitted routes and peacefully immersed.