Dharwad: The Hubballi-Dharwad City Police have put in place an extensive security and traffic management plan for the 11-day Ganesha festival, deploying more than 30 drones, a company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), 16 KSRP platoons and over 500 home guards to ensure peaceful celebrations across the twin cities from Sept 14 to 25.Police commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase said elaborate bandobast arrangements have been made, with the entire city police force, from constables to senior officers, pressed into duty. Additional personnel have also been requisitioned from other parts of Karnataka.The deployment includes eight City Armed Reserve (CAR) platoons, 16 KSRP platoons, one RAF company and more than 500 home guards. CCTV cameras installed by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation and the traffic police will be integrated to provide surveillance at sensitive and high-footfall locations, while drones will monitor major pandals and immersion processions.To curb misinformation and maintain communal harmony, the commissioner’s social media cell will function round the clock, tracking rumours, objectionable content and posts that could disturb public peace.The city police have also launched a dedicated website carrying details of Ganesh pandals and designated parking facilities across Hubballi and Dharwad to help devotees plan their visits.A special drive to remove abandoned vehicles from public roads will begin immediately to ensure smooth movement of processions and regular traffic. Citizens have been urged to share photographs and locations of abandoned vehicles through the police WhatsApp number 9480802002 or official social media handles.Borase appealed to Ganesh mandals to strictly adhere to safety norms while erecting pandals, particularly with electrical wiring and decorative lighting. Organisers have been advised to keep fire extinguishers, water and sand buckets on site, install CCTV cameras wherever possible and deploy volunteers during night hours. Pandals should not obstruct roads or block access for ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles.Police will also strictly enforce noise pollution norms. DJs and music systems must comply with permissible sound limits and timings, and operators will be held directly responsible for violations. Authorities will monitor sound levels using calibrated equipment and mobile applications linked to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) standards.
