Hyderabad (Staff Reporter):
At the MCRHRD, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar chaired a preparatory meeting for Ganesh Utsav 2025, attended by members of the Bhagyanagar Utsav Committee, Khairatabad. The Minister said that, following the instructions of the Chief Minister, the arrangements for Ganesh Utsav and the immersion will be reviewed in three phases, as is done every year.

He stated that this year’s arrangements are being made in a more comprehensive and improved manner compared to last year. Special attention is being given to law and order and traffic management to ensure that the festivities are conducted peacefully while preserving Hyderabad’s brand image.

The Minister added that due to rainfall, some roads have been affected, but they will be restored to normal condition before the festival. He directed the Information, Endowments, and Cultural Departments to organize quality programs, while Water Works, R&B, and GHMC were asked to take necessary measures for sanitation and infrastructure.

He emphasized that the responsibility does not lie only with the government or the pandal committees but that coordination among all concerned departments and organizations is essential. Nearly one lakh Ganesh idols are expected to be installed across the three commissionerates, including around 50,000 from Hyderabad city and nearly 70,000 idols heading towards Tank Bund.

The Minister instructed that additional cranes be arranged for the immersion and that smooth transportation of vehicles be ensured. Any negligence from any department would hold the concerned officer accountable. He directed the three Commissioners to conduct frequent reviews with lower-level officials to prevent traffic issues.

He also mentioned that continuous measures are being taken to prevent water stagnation on roads during rains and to safeguard public health by preventing seasonal diseases during the immersion period. The Minister informed that RTC will provide free bus services, which is likely to result in a larger turnout of devotees.

He concluded by stressing that arrangements must be well-coordinated for all three stages—idol transportation, nine days of pujas, and immersion.