The Kodagu District Police held a coordination meeting with Gauri Ganeshotsava organizers to discuss the necessary guidelines for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in a peaceful and lawful manner. Over 50 Ganeshotsava committees in Madikeri are preparing for the festival, with the installation of Ganesh idols and various celebrations.
Presiding over the meeting at Cauvery Hall in Madikeri, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan emphasized the importance of observing tradition without disturbing public order or contributing to noise pollution. He warned that DJs exceeding permissible noise levels will have their equipment confiscated. SP Ramarajan urged that the festival be celebrated with devotion, which would help younger generations connect with religious traditions. He cautioned against celebrating the festival merely for prestige or personal gain, citing the Bengaluru RCB celebration stampede as a reminder of the consequences of mismanagement.
He also warned against forcibly collecting money from the public during the festival and said that any such incidents would lead to criminal cases. Additional Superintendent of Police B.P. Dinesh advised that Ganesh idols should be installed only in locations that do not obstruct public roads and should be convenient for all.
He further emphasized the use of green firecrackers to reduce environmental impact. Necessary arrangements such as lighting, expert swimmers, and safety gear should be ensured at immersion sites. Festival committees are expected to appoint volunteers, install CCTV cameras, and equip themselves with portable fire extinguishers. They are also required to inform the authorities about the procession routes in advance and obtain necessary permissions.
Ganeshotsava Committee President B.K. Jagadish requested a single-window permission system. SP Ramarajan assured that this facility will be arranged ten days before the festival. Madikeri Municipal Council Vice President Mahesh Jaini and Madikeri Dasara Committee Working President B.K. Arun Kumar stressed the importance of celebrating the festival peacefully. Madikeri Taluk Tahsildar Sridhar, Fire Officer Chandrashekhar Bhandari, Taluk Panchayat Officer Smitha, Circle Inspector I.P. Medappa, Rural Police Inspector Chandrashekhar, RTO Satish, office-bearers of various committees, police personnel, and other dignitaries were present.
