Pune gears up for Ganesh immersion: Important updates on security and traffic management

September 17, 2024

Today is the last day of the Ganesh Festival, known as Anant Chaturdashi, as Pune and its surrounding areas say goodbye to their beloved deity, Ganpati Bappa. The air is filled with the chants of “Ganapati Bappa Moraya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya,” expressing hope for his swift return next year. Thousands have come together to celebrate, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the rhythmic beats of Dhol Tasha drums, music, and vibrant colors.

The Pune City police have stationed more than 6,000 personnel to ensure law and order during the Ganesh immersion processions. Traffic alterations and road closures started at 7 am on Tuesday and will be in place until the processions wrap up on Wednesday. Moreover, there is a complete ban on heavy vehicles for both Tuesday and Wednesday.

How’s the weather looking today?

The weather in Pune on Tuesday is expected to be mostly dry with a cloudy sky, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). There might be some very light rain in a few spots, but it shouldn’t affect the Ganesh Visarjan procession, which kicks off at Laxmi Road around 9 am and goes on into the night.

Manache Ganpati.

One of the main highlights of Pune’s Ganesh festival is the five Manache Ganpati, which are significant Ganesh Mandals with historic importance in the city. These are Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal, Tambdi Jogeshwari Mandal, Guruji Talim Mandal, Tulshibaug Mandal, and Kesri Wada Mandal, in that order. The main immersion procession kicks off with a pooja at Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal on Tuesday morning, followed by the other four Manache Ganpati.

Pune police prohibitory orders.

Pune police have put in place prohibitory orders against the use of high-intensity light beams and high-decibel sound systems. Flying drones is also prohibited without prior authorization. To ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, Pune Rural police and Pimpri Chinchwad police have deployed maximum personnel.

Pune police guidelines regarding loud music.

Pune city police have requested Ganesh mandals in the city to refrain from using “pressure mode” musical equipment that produces loud noise during the Ganesh immersion procession on September 17 and 18. The police have stated that strict legal action will be taken against any Ganesh mandals and disc jockeys (DJs) who violate the sound pollution norms set by the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal. This announcement was made in a press release by Deputy Commissioner of Police G Shridhar.

Parking areas earmarked by Pune Traffic Police for vehicles of people coming to central parts of Pune City for immersion processions:

1. Shivaji Akhada Vehicle Parking (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

2. AISSMS Ground (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

3. SP College (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

4. Peshwe Park Sarasbaug (Two-wheeler)

5. Patil Plaza Parking (Two-wheeler)

6. Dandekar Bridge to Ganeshmala (Two-wheeler)

7. Ganeshmala to Rajaram Bridge (Two-wheeler)

8. Nilayam Talkies (Two-wheeler)

9. Sanjeevani Medical College Ground (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

10. Fergusson College (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

11. Jain Hostel, BMCC Road Ground (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

12. Marathwada College (Two-wheeler)

13. Riverbank – Bhide Bridge to Gadgil Bridge (Two-wheeler/Four-wheeler)

The 17 arterial roads in the central parts of the city are being closed for traffic in a phased manner. Here is how:

Shivaji Road and Laxmi Road have been closed from 7 am. Tilak Road, Bagade Road, and Guru Nanak Road have been closed to traffic from 9 am. Ganesh Road and Kelkar Road have been closed from 10 am. Bajirao Road, Shastri Road, and Kumthekar Road will be closed to traffic from noon onwards.

From 4 pm onwards vehicular traffic on key arterial roads including Jangli Maharaj Road, Karve Road, Fergusson College Road, Bhandarkar Road, Pune-Satara Road, Solapur Road, and Prabhat Road will be stopped.