Karwar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) K. Lakshmi Priya has appealed to the people of Uttara Kannada district to celebrate the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27 and Eid Milad on September 5 in a peaceful, harmonious, and eco-friendly manner.
Presiding over a peace committee meeting with community leaders at the DC office auditorium on Saturday, Lakshmi Priya emphasized that only clay idols of Lord Ganesh should be installed, while idols made of Plaster of Paris (POP) or painted with chemical colors will not be permitted. She further instructed that single-use plastics must not be used during idol installation, immersion, or in the construction and decoration of pandals.
The DC directed HESCOM officials to take precautionary measures to prevent any electrical hazards during idol installations and immersions. Organizers were also advised to ensure strict hygiene while distributing food and prasadam to devotees. She stated that idol immersions must only take place at designated sites identified by local bodies, which are also responsible for making necessary arrangements to manage waste at the venues. Permission for idol installation should be obtained through a single-window system, she added.
Lakshmi Priya further warned against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible noise limits and said that DJs will not be allowed in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. She made it clear that loudspeakers must not be used near hospitals, schools, and courts. As a precautionary step, liquor shops will remain closed during processions. Citizens can report any issues to the DC office control room at 9483511015 or police helpline 112, which will be functional 24/7.
Additional measures include installing CCTV cameras at idol installation sites, ensuring fire safety equipment at pandals, deploying volunteers, and following all police department guidelines to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police Deepan stressed that both festivals must be celebrated without violating laws or disturbing peace and harmony in the district.
The meeting also saw detailed discussions on the use of DJs, with arguments presented both for and against.
Among those present were Karwar Municipal Council President Raviraj Ankolekar, Additional DC Sajid Mulla, Probationary IAS officer Zufishan Haque, ASPs Krishnamurthy and Devaraj, District Environment Officer Santosh, several departmental officials, and community leaders from across the district.