Pune: Police Deploy 6,500 Personnel for Ganesh Festival to Ensure Safety
In preparation for the 10-day Ganesh Festival, the Pune city police have announced a massive deployment of 6,500 to 7,000 personnel to ensure safety and maintain peace across the city.
The number of Ganesh Mandals celebrating this year has increased, with 3,798 mandals and 6,64,257 household idols expected to take part in the festivities. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized the importance of public safety, particularly for women and the elderly, and announced that 22 ‘Police Help Centres’ will be operational throughout the city to assist the public.
The police force will also be bolstered by 182 officers and 1,100 home guards from external units. Additional support will come from Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), Quick Response Teams (QRT), and traffic police units. Commissioner Kumar urged citizens to follow the guidelines set forth by the police for a safe and orderly celebration.
In line with the police’s precautions, all wine shops and bars, including those attached to restaurants, will remain closed on September 7, 17, and 18 to maintain public peace. To further enhance security, the police have taken action against 1,742 individuals ahead of the festival and set up a WhatsApp-based helpline and QR code system for assistance.
Noise Pollution and Traffic Guidelines
The Supreme Court’s noise pollution norms, as well as state and district regulations, will be enforced from 6 am to midnight. Ganesh mandals are allowed to play music from September 12 to 17 until midnight, while on other days, music must stop by 10 pm. Additionally, the use of laser beam lights is strictly prohibited, with 20 cases already registered for violations during recent Dahi Handi celebrations.
The police have also cautioned against provocative posts on social media that could disrupt public order. Strict action will be taken against any individual found responsible for such activities.
Public Assistance and Traffic Management
The ‘My Safe Pune’ app offers real-time information on police bandobast and Ganesh mandal locations. In addition, the Pune police have released a video to inform the public about traffic diversions, road closures, and parking arrangements during the festival. Citizens can also access live tracking and other information via the official website: https://ganeshotsav.punepolice.gov.in/.
