The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) and local police have announced a ban on welcome pavilions along the routes for the Ganapati immersion procession, specifically from Mahadwar Road to Gangawesh. This decision is driven by concerns over overcrowding and the need for effective traffic management during the event.
Superintendent of police Nilotpal said that permission will be given only for two tractor trolleys from each Ganapati mandal participating in the immersion procession, adding, “The sound systems of mandals violating the noise limit will be seized on the spot and cases will be registered. The police claimed that welcome pavilions delay the procession and also cause traffic congestion. City deputy superintendent of police Priya Patil also discussed the matter with Dudhane. The police will install traffic signals at six locations between Mirajkar Tikti, Binkhambi and Papachi Tikti- to regulate the movement of Ganapati mandals. The Ganapati mandals will have to adhere to the traffic signal lights and move ahead. Special police squads will also be deployed to prevent prolonged halts and maintain a smooth flow during the immersion procession.
Civic and police officials on Wednesday morning stopped a political party from erecting a pavilion at Gangawesh Chowk, as the party was preparing for the installation as part of its annual practice. After receiving the police letter, KMC Assistant Commissioner Swati Dudhane on Monday said that permissions to set up welcome pavilions were denied for all those seeking to do so.