Authorities across the Godavari districts have granted permission for 14,000 Ganesh pandals ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi, while rejecting some applications over road congestion and traffic concerns. Police, revenue, panchayat, municipal and electricity officials processed the applications through an online single-window system.
The permitted pandals include more than 2,300 in Kakinada district, 1,700 in Konaseema, 3,500 in Eluru, 3,200 in East Godavari and 1,900 in West Godavari, according to officials cited by Deccan Chronicle. The number is higher than last year as organisers prepare illuminated streets, cultural performances and public celebrations across towns and villages.
The police rejected some applications because the proposed locations were expected to cause road congestion or interfere with traffic movement. Officials have also issued conditions to organisers before granting licences, including measures to prevent traffic disruptions, restrictions on alcohol consumption and directions to avoid high-volume DJ sound systems.
Rajamahendravaram Traffic DSP Srikanth said special officials had been deployed to manage traffic and assess the situation around the pandals. Organisers have been instructed not to obstruct roads or restrict the movement of residents and vehicles, he told Deccan Chronicle.
The administration has also assigned two officers to each pandal to address issues during the festival period. East Zone DSP Vidya said precautionary arrangements had been made in Anaparthi and Mandapeta so that buses and other vehicles could continue to move without disruption.
Eluru SP Prathap Siva Kishore asked organisers to use DJ systems at lower sound levels. The directions place responsibility on organisers to manage crowds, sound and access around temporary structures, while police and local officials monitor compliance.
Officials said many devotees were also installing Ganesh idols without obtaining formal permission. The permissions process is therefore being accompanied by specific instructions on public safety and traffic management. Authorities have attributed the larger number of pandals to the participation of new organisers, the approach of local body elections and social media campaigns by Hindu organisations highlighting the festival’s religious significance.
The expansion of temporary public installations will require continued coordination between police, local bodies, revenue officials and electricity departments during the festival. Authorities have said traffic personnel and other officials will remain deployed to respond to congestion and other issues around the permitted pandals.
