Vinayaka idols: Cops bring in single-window system

Till last year, those who wanted to install Ganesha idols for Vinayaka Chathurthi in public places had to get No Objection certificates (NOC) from Corporation, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, Pollution Control Board and Tangedco, apart from getting permission from the police. As the public found it difficult to visit respective offices to get permission, they flouted rules. In view of this, the city police have come forward to help them.

In all 12 police districts in the city, an inspector-rank official has been appointed to guide outfits and individuals to get permission from all the respective departments to install idols. “The only requirement is to submit a petition with the officer concerned in their police district and that officer will approach other departments for NoC,” said a press release in this regard.

When contacted, an official said, “Those who install idols in public places are not supposed to steal electricity and not make huts using thatched roofs. But they were found flouting such rules and fined. During interrogation, they claimed that they were not aware of obtaining NoC from other departments while some claimed that their petitions were not processed. To avoid such confusions, the police department has taken it upon themselves to get all due clearances from respective departments.”

In 2018, the police had permitted 2,520 Ganesha idols and more than 10,000 police personnel were deployed for procession and immersion of idols. It may be noted that several Hindu outfits had opposed to stringent rules imposed by the police for installation of idols last year and they moved the Madras high court for relief.