Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 5: Following the coordination meeting held on 31.07.2025 at 1700 Hrs, the District Administration, South Andaman has issued the following advisory for strict compliance by all Ganesh Puja Committees to ensure a safe, eco-friendly, and peaceful celebration:
1. To prevent any mishap due to overhead HT lines, the height of Ganesh idols shall be restricted to below 16 feet. This directive is to be adhered strictly.
2. Puja Committees are advised to use natural colours and avoid hazardous chemicals while preparing idols to mitigate environmental hazards during immersion.
3. A designated route for immersion shall be followed. All Puja Committees shall inform the Police Department in advance about the date, time and route of immersion.
4. All Puja Pandals must use ISI-marked insulated wiring with proper earthing. No decorative lighting shall be hung across roads. The Electricity Department shall inspect Pandals and issue NOC. Lighting should be placed at least 5 feet above ground level.
5. Joint inspections by officials of Electricity Dept., Police, Fire Brigade and the area Executive Magistrate shall be conducted. A report is to be submitted to the SDM/Assistant Commissioner (SA).
6. No loudspeakers shall be used after 10:00 PM. Noise levels shall be maintained as per prescribed limits. Violation shall lead to seizure and legal action.
7. Puja Committees shall ensure adequate fire-fighting equipment at the Pandals.
8. Puja Committees shall deploy identifiable volunteers with ID cards/badges, abstaining from alcohol or intoxicants. Misconduct shall lead to denial of permission in subsequent years. Volunteer details with photographs to be submitted at the concerned Police Station.
9. A single window facilitation counter shall be established at the District Control Room for receiving and processing Puja permission applications.
10. Drivers of immersion vehicles shall be instructed against over speeding and intoxication. Committee members shall accompany processions to ensure discipline.
11. Puja Committees shall place separate dustbins for general and plastic waste. PBMC shall ensure timely waste collection.
12. Only devotional songs to be played at Pandals and during immersion. Volunteers or individuals found intoxicated shall be penalized.
13. Organizers shall arrange for power backup and obtain NOC from the Junior Engineer regarding earthing and wiring.
14. Any act of violence, eve-teasing or breach of peace by volunteers or members shall lead to disqualification from next year’s celebration and legal action.
15. Organizers shall be held responsible for any untoward incidents due to non-compliance with fire, electricity, and law & order regulations.
16. Organizers shall strictly adhere to CPCB’s “Guidelines for Idol Immersion” as per public notice dated 01.09.2016. A copy shall be issued with the final permission.