Mangaluru: Police in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have stepped up security arrangements for Ganeshotsava, with thousands of personnel deployed to ensure peaceful celebrations and prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities have identified sensitive locations, conducted peace committee meetings and taken preventive measures ahead of Ganesha idol processions and immersions.
492 Ganesha idols to be installed in Udupi
In Udupi district, a total of 492 Ganesha idols are scheduled to be installed and immersed as part of this year’s celebrations.
Of the locations identified for the festivities, 415 have been classified as normal, while 74 have been categorised as sensitive and three as highly sensitive from a security perspective.
The classification is intended to help police plan deployment according to the local security situation and the expected movement of people during processions and immersion ceremonies.
Preventive measures stepped up in Udupi
Udupi police have conducted 22 peace committee meetings as part of preparations for the festival.
Authorities have also taken preventive action against 611 people, while 487 individuals have reportedly been made to execute bonds under various laws as a precautionary measure.
The measures are aimed at preventing incidents that could disturb public order during the festival, particularly in areas where large gatherings and processions are expected.
Dakshina Kannada to see 230 public installations
Within the Dakshina Kannada district police limits, 230 public Ganesha idol installation programmes have been scheduled.
The Belthangady subdivision accounts for the highest number, with 103 installations. These include 25 in Belthangady, 20 in Dharmasthala, 20 in Venoor, 18 in Uppinangady, 13 in Kadaba and seven in Punjalakatte.
The Puttur subdivision has 79 scheduled installations. These include 18 in Bellare, 17 each in Puttur Rural and Sullia, 16 in Puttur city and 11 in Subrahmanya.
Another 48 installations are planned under the Bantwal subdivision, including 20 in Vittal, 16 in Bantwal Rural and 12 in Bantwal city.
Police issue guidelines for immersion processions
Udupi district police have appealed to Ganesha festival organisers to conduct idol immersion only through officially designated routes and at approved locations.
Organisers have also been instructed to strictly follow directions issued by the authorities while conducting processions and immersion programmes.
Police have urged organisers and members of the public to cooperate with the security arrangements and avoid activities that could create inconvenience or tension during the celebrations.
Warning against provocative activities
With several public celebrations and processions scheduled across the two coastal districts, police have also cautioned organisers and the public against raising provocative slogans or engaging in activities that could disturb communal harmony or violate the law.
Traffic management is another key concern, particularly on routes used by large Ganesha processions. Police have asked organisers to ensure that celebrations do not cause unnecessary traffic disruptions.
The instructions are aimed at allowing devotees to participate in the festivities while ensuring that regular movement of vehicles and essential services is not affected.
Authorities focus on peaceful celebrations
The extensive security arrangements come as Dakshina Kannada and Udupi prepare for a busy Ganeshotsava period, with hundreds of public idols scheduled for installation and immersion.
The identification of sensitive locations, preventive action and deployment of police personnel are part of efforts to maintain law and order during the celebrations.
Officials have urged festival committees and the public to cooperate with the police, follow designated routes and comply with all instructions issued by the administration.
With large crowds expected at several locations, authorities are particularly focusing on ensuring that processions and immersion ceremonies pass off peacefully without affecting communal harmony or public safety.