- Mayor issues clear instructions to Municipal Corporation officials: Do not harass committees unnecessarily; ensure compliance with rules, but adopt a humane approach.
- Joint meeting involving public representatives, DCP (Traffic) Archana Jha, and officials from the administration and Municipal Corporation.
A joint meeting between the Municipal Corporation and the Raipur Police administration was held today at the headquarters of the Raipur Municipal Corporation (third-floor conference hall) under the chairmanship of Mayor Smt. Meenal Chaubey. The meeting aimed to ensure smooth traffic, security, and civic amenities in the capital, Raipur, for the upcoming Shri Ganesh Utsav.
The meeting was attended by the Municipal Corporation Chairman, all Zonal Commissioners, police and traffic department officials, Zonal Presidents, and public representatives. Detailed discussions were held on various topics, including permissions and mandatory NOCs for Shri Ganesh Utsav committees, traffic arrangements, parking, pandal and tableau setups, security, and the convenience of the general public.
Mayor Smt. Meenal Chaubey issued clear instructions to the officials, stating that Shri Ganesh Utsav is not merely an event but a festival deeply connected to our Sanatan traditions, faith, and social sentiments. She emphasized that the Municipal Corporation has a responsibility to ensure compliance with rules laid down by the government and the courts while also understanding the sentiments and practical challenges faced by the committees.
She noted that a large number of young people are involved with Ganesh Utsav committees; they make time amidst their studies, businesses, and other commitments to prepare for the installation of Lord Shri Ganesh and the associated festivities with great devotion and enthusiasm. Therefore, special care must be taken to ensure they do not face unnecessary difficulties at the last minute.
The Mayor directed all Zonal Commissioners to establish a respectful and positive dialogue with Ganesh Utsav committees in their respective zones. She instructed that committees be informed well in advance regarding NOCs or other required permissions and be assisted in completing the necessary formalities. Chairman Suryakant Rathore stated that the Municipal Corporation and police administration teams should coordinate with ward councilors and relevant public representatives to consult with the organizing committees. Prioritizing the city’s interests, they must ensure traffic and security arrangements that facilitate the devotees while keeping the movement of ordinary citizens smooth.
All Zonal Chairpersons emphasized that while adherence to rules is essential, the method of implementation should be sensitive and practical. If a committee requires a change in arrangements, the situation should first be explained to them through dialogue, and a solution reached through mutual consent whenever possible.
The Mayor remarked that worship and the installation of Lord Shri Ganesha are matters of personal faith for every citizen. However, it is also our responsibility to ensure that our faith does not cause inconvenience to neighbors, passersby, or the general public. Therefore, special attention must be paid to traffic, parking, pedestrian movement, fire safety, electrical arrangements, and emergency services when setting up pandals and tableaux.
He issued instructions to maintain special vigilance regarding arrangements in the narrow areas of the Old City, as well as in Zone-4 and Zone-5. The Mayor directed that existing systems in these areas be managed more effectively; rather than experimenting unnecessarily, the focus should be on streamlining traffic and security arrangements.
The Mayor also appealed to the Ganesha Utsav committees to cooperate with the Municipal Corporation and police administration and to comply with all prescribed rules, including obtaining the mandatory NOC. He stated that while the Municipal Corporation stands with the committees, the committees must also share the responsibility for city safety, traffic management, and civic convenience.
He said, “Our objective is not to hinder anyone’s faith, but to ensure that this festival of faith is celebrated in a safe, organized, and harmonious atmosphere. If the committees cooperate with us, the Municipal Corporation will stand by them, offering every possible assistance.” Better arrangements possible only through coordination: Zone Chairpersons
Municipal Corporation Zone-4 Chairperson Mr. Murali Sharma, Zone-5 Chairperson Mr. Ambar Agarwal, Zone-7 Chairperson Mrs. Shweta Vishwakarma, Zone-8 Chairperson Mr. Pritam Singh Thakur, and Zone-10 Chairperson Mr. Sachin B. Meghani also shared their views during the meeting. They stated that if the Municipal Corporation, police administration, public representatives, and Ganesh Utsav committees work in mutual coordination, the committees will fully cooperate with the administration while adhering to the rules.
Police administration to cooperate for smooth traffic flow in public interest: DCP
During the meeting, DCP Dr. Archana Jha stated that whenever traffic-related issues arise, officers of the Raipur Police Commissionerate take necessary initiatives in accordance with the rules, keeping public interest and the government’s intent in mind. The police administration will work to maintain a smooth traffic system in the city by coordinating with the Municipal Corporation’s Zonal Commissioners and public representatives.
She appealed to all councilors to extend positive cooperation to the administration in ensuring better arrangements during the Ganesh Utsav and to participate in ensuring compliance with the mandatory NOC process prescribed by the government, while maintaining coordination with the Ganesh Utsav committees.
The meeting was attended by Zonal Officers of the Raipur Police Commissionerate, Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Mr. Vinod Pandey, all Zonal Commissioners, Councilor Mr. Ravi Dhruv, and former councilors…Officials from the Municipal Corporation and police administration, along with public representatives—including Dr. Pramod Sahu—were present.
In his concluding remarks, the Mayor stated that the Ganesh Utsav is a festival of devotion, enthusiasm, cultural values, and social unity. Through mutual trust, dialogue, and cooperation among all stakeholders, a safe, well-organized, and peaceful celebration will be ensured in Raipur this year as well, upholding the glorious tradition of the Shri Ganesh Utsav.