High Alert in Hubballi-Dharwad for Ganeshotsav; 500 Home Guards, Drone Surveillance Deployed

HUBBALLI: Ahead of the 12-day Ganeshotsav celebrations scheduled from September 14 to 25, the Hubballi-Dharwad Police have put in place an extensive security framework to ensure peaceful and smooth festivities across the city.

Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner Bhushan G. Borase said personnel ranging from constables to senior officers across the city police unit will be deployed, along with additional forces requisitioned from neighbouring districts.

The comprehensive security plan includes 500 Home Guards, eight CAR platoons, 16 KSRP platoons and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain law and order in sensitive and high-density areas.

More than 30 drones will provide aerial surveillance along major procession routes, while extensive CCTV coverage will be used to monitor key locations. A dedicated social media monitoring unit will also operate round the clock to curb fake news, provocative rumours and other potentially disruptive content.

The police have also launched a specialised website to provide the public with information about major Ganesha pandal locations and designated parking areas, helping devotees plan their movements during the celebrations.

As part of the security measures, the police will conduct a drive to remove long-abandoned vehicles parked along city roads. Citizens can report unattended vehicles by sending photographs along with location details to the official police WhatsApp number, 9480802002.

Ganesha mandal organisers have been directed to follow strict safety protocols at all pandals. Standardised fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, water and sand buckets, must be readily accessible at every location.

Mandatory CCTV cameras must be installed inside and around pandal premises, while volunteers are required to remain present overnight. Pandal structures must also ensure unobstructed access for ambulances and fire engines at all times.

The police have announced a strict crackdown on high-decibel DJ systems and high-intensity laser lights during the festivities. Following the Pune Police model, sound restrictions will be enforced under the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.

Sound systems will be restricted to a maximum of four bass speakers and four top speakers. High-intensity laser lights and excessively loud DJ systems have been prohibited, with police officers using the ‘Sound Meter’ mobile application to check sound levels at the spot.

Immediate legal action will be initiated against both DJ owners and operators in case of violations, as the police seek to balance the festive celebrations with public safety, traffic management and noise control.