Chennai, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Police have granted permission for the installation of 36,000 Ganesh idols at approved public locations across the state as part of Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations.
Members of the public and various Hindu organisations had sought permission to install the idols for worship and subsequently take them out in processions for immersion in designated water bodies.
The approvals were issued after organisers complied with conditions prescribed by the Madras High Court, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Fire and Rescue Services Department, local bodies and the police.
In Chennai alone, the city police have permitted the installation of 1,562 Ganesh idols at approved locations. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure that the celebrations, processions and immersion events pass off peacefully.
As many as 16,500 police personnel and 500 Home Guards will be deployed across the Chennai Police jurisdiction during the festival. Police teams will maintain surveillance at idol installation sites, procession routes, crowded areas and immersion points.
Organisers have been directed to install CCTV cameras at locations where idols are kept for public worship. They must also deploy volunteers to guard the idols, regulate crowds and assist the police in maintaining law and order.
Police have instructed organisers to strictly follow regulations governing the size and materials used for making the idols, besides complying with fire and electrical safety, environmental protection and traffic management requirements.
The idols will be taken out in processions and immersed in designated water bodies on September 19 and 20. Processions will be permitted only on routes approved in advance by the police, with organisers required to complete immersion within the stipulated time and cooperate with officials deployed along the routes.
The use of unauthorised vehicles, provocative slogans, inflammable materials and high-volume sound systems will not be permitted during the processions.
Police will also monitor social media platforms to prevent the circulation of inflammatory or misleading content that could disturb communal harmony.
Officials warned that idols must not be installed at unauthorised locations or without the required clearances. Violations of restrictions or attempts to disrupt public peace would invite legal action.
The police appealed to organisers and devotees to cooperate with authorities and celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi in a peaceful, safe and environmentally responsible manner.
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