PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has issued several guidelines ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.
At a media briefing Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Deputy Mayor Vasant Agshikar and CCP Market Committee Chairman Pramay Mainkar updated about the Corporation’s preparedness for the festival.
According to the guidelines, sale/purchase of plaster of Paris idols is strictly prohibited. All ‘Chitrashalas’ shall make social distancing arrangements outside the vending point.
Monserrate said only two people with one vehicle will be allowed to pick up idols from the Chitrashala. All vendors entering Panjim for sale of ‘matoli’ items will be designated area near Royal Foods from September 8 to September 10 only. No special stalls will be installed anywhere in Panjim for sale of fireworks/firecrackers except those permitted by the Corporation.
According to the guidelines, public gathering, celebration, arthis for Sarvajanik Ganesh shall be limited to 50% capacity or as per the State Government prevailing SOPs.
The Mayor said the Corporation has asked Ganesh Chaturthi Committees not to use fireworks/firecrackers so as to avoid pollution. No celebration in any form shall be allowed in containment zones, if any.
Agshikar said immersion of idols within the jurisdiction of CCP in Panjim will be at ferry wharf; Miramar beach; near Martins-Caranzalem beach; near Swim Sea Resort-Caranzalem beach; ferry wharf-Ribandar; Captain of Ports Jetty-Panjim; Manaswada-Ribandar ; near Akhadkar House-Fondvem, Ribandar; near Kamat house-Sao Pedro; Four pillars-Mala and near PWD office-Patto.
Only 2-3 members of each house shall be allowed for immersion of the idols. All flowers/garlands/nirmalaya will be deposited in containers placed at each immersion site and shall not be disposed in the water bodies. No fireworks shall be used at the immersion site. Agshikar said vehicles shall be parked away from the immersion spot to avoid congestion.
