Cops ban crackers for Ganesh fest

Cops ban crackers for Ganesh fest
Tight Security Measures In Place To Avoid Communal Disturbances
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: As part of tight security measures to be put in place during the forthcoming Ganesh festival, no firecrackers will be permitted during the immersion procession or any where near the Sarvajanik Ganesh venues in Goa.
Unlike previous years, this year tight security arrangements will be made at all Sarvajanik Ganesh venues, as the Goa police anticipate the possibility of communal disturbances during the festival, especially in the wake of blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore and the recent communal tension in Margao.
To avoid any trouble, DGP B S Brar issued a circular on July 31, 2008, directing all police officials to ensure that no firecrackers or fancy fireworks are burst or displayed near the venues.
Even during the procession or immersion of the idol, no fireworks would be permitted.
Apart from controlling the crowd, to avoid a stampede which could arise in the event of a panicky situation, police will guard the entry and exit points of the venues. They will also have to keep a close watch to prevent unwanted elements from gaining entry into the venues.
Police have also advised the organisers to install closed circuit televisions, sand bags and other equipment for firefighting.
Further, during the procession and immersion of the idol, the police will not only have to keep a watch over the mischief makers and eveteasers, but also have to ensure that the timings and routes of two different processions to the venue of immersion do not clash.
Housing societies, commercial and social organizations in the state organise Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals and there are about twenty such mandals in North Goa alone.
The police are already holding meetings with organisers in the state to explain to them the threat perception in the state and the reasons for the police to implement such rigid measures.
“People should understand the circumstances under which these steps are being taken. The security in the state doesn’t need to be undermined and we require every citizen’s co-operation in ensuring that no misunderstanding between the public and police is created,” said SP (North) Bosco George.
August 14, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition