Pune: Ganesh mandals demand ban on alcohol during Ganeshotsav
Pune: Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar has made an important statement. He said, “There are differences of opinion about loud music and DJ bands being played during the Ganesh Festival. We will meet each mandal and discuss the issue. We will take efforts to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm but by following the rules. How many Dhol-Tasha pathaks should be allowed to be a part of a mandal’s immersion procession? It will be decided in the next meeting.”
He said that some mandals also demanded that alcohol sales should be banned during the festival. A decision will be made considering the opinion of the people. A meeting of Ganesh mandals was held at the Police Headquarters in Shivajinagar. CP Kumar addressed the meeting.
Around 600 representatives of 300 mandals were present. Joint CP Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Addl CP Shailesh Balkawade, Addl CP Praveen Patil, Addl CP Manoj Patil and other senior officials were present. Mandal office-bearers made some suggestions.
CP Kumar said, “CM Eknath Shinde announced in 2022 that those Ganesh Mandals taking permission last year would not be required to renew it for five years. A one-window scheme has been implemented for new mandals. Many mandals allow stalls to be set up. They should take care that it does not lead to traffic jams.
“Arches should be built following the prescribed rules and without causing hurdles to traffic. Instructions have been issued to Police Inspectors of respective police stations. Meetings will be conducted zone-wise for the immersion procession. We will try to start the procession on time, with the help of Ganesh mandals. If mandal workers decide, everything can be done as per the schedule. Potholes have resurfaced. The civic body and the police will fill them again.
“The Pune Police have launched a drive against drugs. Ganesh mandals should strengthen it. If mandals provide us details of any illegal activity, we will act against such people. I will soon visit the mandals and inspect preparations. The immersion procession route will also be inspected.”
