Uttara Kannada DC urges peaceful and eco-friendly celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, Miladun Nabi (SAW)

Karwar: 25 August (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya has appealed to the people of Uttara Kannada district to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27 and Miladun NAbi (SAW) on September 5 in a peaceful, harmonious and eco-friendly manner.

She was speaking at a peace committee meeting with community leaders held at the DC office auditorium on Saturday. The DC stressed that only clay idols of  Lord Ganesh would be allowed, while idols made of Plaster of Paris or painted with chemical colours are banned. She also directed that single-use plastics should not be used during idol installation, immersion or in pandal decorations.

Lakshmi Priya instructed HESCOM officials to take preventive measures to avoid electrical hazards during the festivities. Organisers were told to maintain hygiene while distributing food and prasadam. Idol immersions must be carried out only at designated sites, with local bodies responsible for waste management. Permissions for idol installations will be given through a single-window system, she added.

The DC made it clear that loudspeakers cannot be used beyond the permissible noise limit and DJs are strictly prohibited as per Supreme Court guidelines. Loudspeakers are also barred near schools, hospitals and courts. Liquor shops will remain closed during processions as a precautionary measure. Citizens can report issues to the 24/7 control room at the DC office (9483511015) or the police helpline 112.

Additional measures announced include installing CCTV cameras at major venues, ensuring fire safety at pandals, deploying volunteers and strictly following police instructions to maintain law and order. Superintendent of Police Deepan emphasised that both festivals should be celebrated without disturbing peace and harmony.

The meeting also discussed at length the issue of DJs, with differing views expressed by participants.

Karwar Municipal Council President Raviraj Ankolekar, Additional DC Sajid Mulla, Probationary IAS officer Zufishan Haque, ASPs Krishnamurthy and Devaraj, District Environment Officer Santosh, along with other officials and community leaders, took part in the meeting.