Vasai-Virar Ganeshotsav: Police Warn of Action on Noise Violations
Police and civic authorities in Vasai-Virar have issued a warning of strict action against Ganeshotsav organisers who violate prescribed noise limits, while announcing expanded arrangements for permissions, immersion routes, emergency response and public safety during the festival.
The measures were discussed at a meeting of Ganeshotsav mandals held at Club One in Virar under the chairmanship of Vasai-Virar Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik. More than 36,000 public and household Ganesh idols are expected to be installed across the city this year, according to a report by Loksatta.
Kaushik told organisers that the prescribed sound limits would have to be followed strictly and that violations would attract action. The warning was issued as police and the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation began coordinating preparations for the festival, with law and order identified as a priority.
The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Dr Hemant Savara, Mayor Ajiv Patil, legislators Rajan Naik and Sneha Dubey-Pandit, Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B. P., Additional Police Commissioner Sanjay Shintre, Deputy Commissioners of Police Ashok Virkar and Shashikant Borate, local representatives and Ganeshotsav mandal representatives.
Organisers were also told that temporary festival mandaps could not occupy more than 25 per cent of the road width. The restriction is intended to preserve road space during the festival and support the movement of vehicles, emergency services and processions.
To reduce delays in obtaining permissions, authorities said a single-window online facility would be made available through the Aaple Sarkar portal. The arrangement is intended to allow Ganeshotsav mandals to submit and process permissions through an online system rather than approaching multiple offices separately.
Representatives of mandals and elected officials raised concerns about potholes, electricity-related problems and immersion arrangements during the meeting. The police and civic administration assured participants that these issues would be addressed promptly. Authorities said potholes on important routes would be repaired and dangerous hanging electricity wires would be fixed before the processions.
CCTV cameras will monitor key immersion procession routes and major junctions. The emergency response number 112 will remain active during the festival, while medical teams will be deployed at major immersion locations. These arrangements are intended to provide assistance during processions and at immersion points.
Authorities are also considering the use of a roll-on, roll-off, or Ro-Ro, boat service to support the safe and regulated immersion of large and heavy Ganesh idols. The proposal was discussed as part of efforts to manage immersion operations involving heavier structures.
Police officials further warned that individuals who forcibly collect contributions from residents or use threats in the name of the festival would face action. The administration appealed to residents and Ganeshotsav mandals to cooperate with the authorities and celebrate the festival peacefully and in an orderly manner.
