The Hyderabad City Police has issued a crucial safety advisory ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, urging organizers to limit the height of Ganesh idols to 15 feet to prevent fatal electrocution incidents during processions. Commissioner of Police Sajjanar, IPS, held a meeting with representatives of the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi at the Telangana State Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Banjara Hills to discuss safety measures that must begin at the idol manufacturing stage itself.
The police commissioner emphasized that power lines in Hyderabad are generally positioned at a height of 22 feet, while transport trolleys used during processions stand approximately 4 feet high. This leaves only a limited clearance space, making taller idols extremely risky during transportation and immersion processions. The meeting was strategically held during the initial phase of idol production to ensure manufacturers incorporate safety standards before completing their work.
CP Sajjanar recalled two tragic deaths that occurred in the Bandlaguda Police Station limits due to electrocution during previous Ganesh festivals. He also mentioned an incident near the Panjagutta flyover where a Ganesh idol became stuck because of its excessive height, causing major disruptions. These incidents highlight the urgent need for strict adherence to height restrictions and safety protocols during the festival celebrations.
The police have issued a stern warning against a dangerous practice that has claimed lives in the past. Volunteers and organizers have been strictly instructed never to lift low-hanging power lines using sticks or plastic pipes during processions. Such attempts have resulted in fatal electrocution incidents, and the police emphasized that no such risks should be taken under any circumstances during the festival.
The advisory calls upon pandal organizers to coordinate closely with idol makers well in advance to ensure all idols remain within the safe height limit. Every pandal committee must be educated about these safety guidelines to prevent accidents. The police stressed that collective responsibility and awareness among all stakeholders are essential to conducting a peaceful and accident-free Ganesh festival in the city.
The Hyderabad City Police assured full cooperation and support to organizers who comply with the safety guidelines. The department urged everyone involved in the festival preparations to work together in implementing these preventive measures. CP Sajjanar emphasized that the meeting’s timing was deliberate, allowing sufficient time for manufacturers and organizers to adjust their plans and ensure that safety remains the top priority throughout the celebrations.
