Here's to a Safe Ganesh Chaturthi, Says BBMP

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will deploy over 20 staff, including divers, at the lakes where Ganesha idols will be immersed.

The civic body is determined to avoid untoward incidents during the immersion this time around. Last year, two labourers working for BBMP drowned while immersing idols.

All zonal engineers have been directed to put up notices near the lakes clearly stating the do’s and don’ts and the 10-day deadline to complete the immersion.

BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminaraya told Express that measures are in place to ensure that people celebrate the festival in a safe manner. “The safety is also from the environmental perspective,” he said.

Engineers attached to BBMP have been directed to clear silt from the lakes every day so that no one gets stuck while immersing the idols. Officials also have to ensure that the idol immersion takes place only in the kalyanis (tanks) constructed at the lakes. Lakshminarayana said BBMP has also stocked emergency equipment like torches, generators, ropes, cutters, fire extinguishers and ladders in its eight control rooms.

Om Prakash, director general of Fire and Emergency Services and Home Guards, said more than 12,000 Home Guards have been approved to be sent to various parts of the state during the festivities. For Bangalore alone, an additional 700, over the existing 1,500, will be deputed to help the police in crowd management and traffic control. “If BBMP needs more men, civil defence personnel will be sent to co-ordinate,” he said.

Taking the Initiative

Meanwhile, Sankey Park Walkers’ Association has, in coordination with the zone’s executive engineer, been educating locals about the need to use eco-friendly

Ganeshas. “We have asked the engineer to put up a board stating that the immersion should take place only in the kalyani. And there should be a height limit of six feet. Last year, the rules were not followed and  we walkers had a tough time,” said A R Anand, president of the association.

Appeal to the Public

•  Don’t litter the streets with food, flowers and other items
•  Don’t consume alcohol before the idol immersion
•  Don’t throw bottles into the lakes or immersion points
•  Don’t rush during the immersion; wait for your turn