Surat Citizen Council Seeks Strict Ganeshotsav Rules

SURAT : With Ganeshotsav preparations gathering pace, the Surat Citizen Council Trust has urged the administration to strictly enforce environmental, noise, traffic and law-and-order regulations, including a complete ban on idol immersion in the Tapi River.

Trust chairman Sharad Kapadia submitted a representation to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Surat Municipal Commissioner, District Collector and the Shri Ganesh Utsav Samiti, seeking implementation of Gujarat High Court orders, CPCB guidelines and NGT directives.

“The purpose of the regulations is not to restrict religious celebrations, but to ensure that Ganeshotsav does not result in pollution, traffic chaos or disturbance to citizens,” Kapadia said.

The trust has called for greater use of clay and biodegradable idols and strict checks against Plaster of Paris. It claimed around 400 large idols, some up to 25 feet, are likely to be installed in Surat this year.

It has also demanded mandatory registration and inspection of idol manufacturing units and suppliers bringing large idols from outside the city. Violators, it said, should face cancellation of registration and a three-year operating ban.

The council has sought mandatory registration of all public pandals, with authorities regulating their location and design to prevent road blockages. It also proposed designated time slots for transporting idols to pandals.

On noise pollution, the trust demanded strict enforcement of decibel limits and complete shutdown of DJs and loudspeakers after midnight, citing the needs of students, elderly people and patients.

For environmental protection, it sought 24-hour police surveillance, CCTV cameras and continuous patrolling along the Tapi riverbank to prevent illegal immersion.

Kapadia said all idols should be immersed only in the artificial ponds created by SMC.