Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Chief Asks Ganesh Mandals to Celebrate Ganeshotsav Without Laser Lights

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 6th August 2025: Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner of Police, Vinoy Kumar Choubey, has urged all Ganesh Mandals in the city to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly way. He specifically asked them not to use laser lights, as many Mandals ignored last year’s ban on lasers. He also requested that sound systems be used carefully.

Commissioner Choubey was speaking at the Shri Morya Award Prize Distribution event, held at Nigdi’s GD Madgulkar Auditorium. Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and other senior police and PCMC officials were also present on the occasion.

Choubey said, “Last year, we saw lasers being used even though they were banned. Some people suffered permanent eye damage because of this. Laser injuries to the eyes cannot be treated. That is why I urge everyone not to use lasers. It is good to see that more Mandals are now using traditional musical instruments, and the use of Dolby sound systems has reduced. Dolby sound systems mostly affect senior citizens and children. Traditional instruments help preserve our culture, and many Mandals are already doing this. Please avoid using Dolby sound systems this year as well.”

The police have introduced an online system for Ganeshotsav Mandals to apply for necessary permissions. Mandals must provide details like the office bearers, mandal owner, and mandal size. They will also need to upload documents, such as the Charity Commissioner’s registration certificate, last year’s permission letter, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for public places, from landowners, and for electricity connections.

During the event, the PCMC Commissioner and the Police Commissioner answered questions from Mandal representatives. Concerns were raised about trees, electric poles, and parked vehicles blocking the procession routes. PCMC Chief Shekhar Singh responded that a special campaign will be launched ahead of Ganeshotsav to remove obstacles like poles and wires, and to repair roads. He also mentioned that a special chemical will be used in artificial ponds to dissolve Plaster of Paris (POP) idols quickly.

Shekhar Singh added, “We have made sure that permission for Ganeshotsav Mandals will not take much time. All permissions can be obtained at one place. Mandals should use only the space and follow the conditions allowed. Cleanliness will be maintained at the ghats during Ganeshotsav. Everyone should celebrate an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav. Any complaints about Ganesh Mandals on the procession route will be resolved quickly.”