Hubballi-Dharwad police made arrangements for Ganeshotsava

Police officers took out a march on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi in Hubballi on Sunday (September 13). | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE

The Hubballi-Dharwad police have made all security arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Ganesha festival.

Elaborate security, traffic and public safety arrangements have been made by the police to ensure that the festival takes place in a peaceful, safe and joyful atmosphere.

The entire strength of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police will be deployed to carry out the duties of the bandobasts. Besides, officers and personnel from other parts of the state were seized, Borase Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao said in a statement.

The festival will be celebrated from September 14 to 25 across partner cities.

A total of 500 Home Guards, eight CAR platoons, 16 KSRP platoons and one Rapid Action Force (RAF) company will be deployed.

The traffic police will use the city corporation’s CCTV cameras to maintain surveillance at important and sensitive locations. More than 30 drones will also be deployed for aerial surveillance during the festival and parades. Hubballi-Dharwad City Police Social Media Cell will be functioning round the clock to monitor social media platforms and respond to any misinformation, rumors or inappropriate content that may affect public peace and harmony in the society.

A special website has been prepared to provide information about the location of Ganesha pandals and designated parking spaces, especially for citizens and visitors coming to Hubballi-Dharwad for the festival. To facilitate the smooth movement of processions and overall traffic, a special drive to remove abandoned vehicles from public roads will be launched from Monday (September 14).

Citizens are requested to help the police by sharing photos and location of abandoned vehicles spotted in their areas on Hubballi-Dharwad City Police WhatsApp Number: 9480802002 or City Police Social Media.

Ganesha Mandalas

All Ganesha Mandalas are requested to take appropriate safety precautions during the festival. Special attention should be paid to the execution of electrical wiring and decorative lighting to avoid electric shock. Every pandal should preferably have fire extinguisher, water bucket and sand bucket available to face any fire related emergency. Mandals are also advised to install CCTV cameras in and around their pandals. Adequate volunteers should remain present in the pandal during the night to ensure security. The pandals should be erected in such a way that sufficient road space is always available for unrestricted movement of ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and other emergency services.

Ganesha Mandals have been asked not to use more than four bases and four tops as anything above that does not comply with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Music and sound systems used at Ganesha pandals and during processions must strictly follow the permissible limits and timings prescribed under the Noise Pollution Rules.

Laser lights and excessively loud or dangerous sound systems/equipment should not be used. Such equipment may cause serious discomfort and may pose a risk to the health and safety of citizens, including hearing damage. The police will use the mobile app ‘Sound Meter: SPL and dB meter’ to measure the sound of any music system used during the festival. It was calibrated using equipment used by the Pollution Control Board.

DJ operators and owners will be held directly responsible for violations attributable to the sound systems/equipment they operate and action will be taken in accordance with the law. Hubballi-Dharwad City Police appeals to all Ganesha Mandalas, organizers, volunteers and citizens to cooperate with the police and civic authorities and celebrate the festival with devotion, discipline, safety and responsibility.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 19:55 IST