Visakhapatnam, September 3, 2013: Organisers planning to erect Ganesh pandals at public places in the city must obtain prior police permission and failure to do so will be viewed seriously, according to a statement issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) P. Viswa Prasad here on Monday.

The organisers must first obtain permission from GVMC, Fire Service Department, and EPDCL before seeking police permission. The organisers should invariably get a written permission in writing from the Assistant Commissioner of Police of the division concerned. He noted that application forms for idol installation and procession were available at all police stations in the city and the organisers should submit the same before September 5.

The application forms should clearly mention the place and date of installation and the time, route and destination of the proposed immersion procession. He also mentioned that installation will be permitted only at places where it does not obstruct free flow of traffic and where is no threat to the public and peace and order.

Mr. Viswa Prasad also warned that forcible collection of donations was not allowed.

Source: The Hindu, September 3, 2013