Loudspeakers allowed till midnight on last 5 days

The state government on Saturday granted permission to Ganesh mandals to play loudspeakers till midnight on the last five days of the Ganesh festival. The government has also allowed them to play traditional musical instruments like dhol tasha even after midnight during Ganesh immersion processions.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he has instructed authorities concerned to supply ample electricity to the state on all days of the festival. "We will ensure that people do not suffer due to power cuts. The state had got uninterrupted power supply during the month of Ramzan," he said.

Pawar was speaking at a meeting attended by representatives of Ganesh Mandals, peace committees, political parties and police. Pawar said it was not possible to relax the norms for more than five days.

MP Suresh Kalmadi, who was also present on the dais said, "Police and Ganesh mandal activists should work together during the festival to avoid untoward incidents."

Mayor Vaishali Bankar said as tourists from abroad and different parts of the country come to enjoy Ganesh festival in the city activists should ensure there is no law and order problem. BJP MLA Girish Bapat said, "Police should allow Ganesh mandals to erect advertisement archs as they are a source of income for them. At the same time, mandals should cooperate with police in maintaining security."

Another BJP MLA Madhuri Misal suggested that norms should be relaxed for eight days during the festival. "Last year, on the days when the norms were relaxed, music was not played till late night. So it may help in allowing loudspeakers for more days during the festival."

NCP MLA Bapu Pathare said, "Ganesh festival is celebrated with equal fervour in sub-urban and rural areas under Pune police jurisdiction so police should interact with Ganesh mandals in these areas also." Congress MLC Mohan Joshi asked the PMC to repair the potholes on city roads before the festival.

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