Ganeshotsav 2011: Kolhapur mandals set ‘noise-free’ example

In a bid to curb sound pollution, most of the mandals in Kolhapur city preferred playing traditional instruments this year, in place of high decibel sound systems, during the immersion of Ganesh idols on Sunday.

The local police, various social organisations and the media had relentlessly campaigned for the last few weeks, highlighting the need for mandals to refrain from using pre-recorded loud music on sound systems during the procession.

The police had warned that erring mandals would face stringent action under the Noise Pollution Control and Regulation Rules, 2000.

The superintendent of police, Vijaysingh Jadhav, complimented the mandals for accepting and adhering to norms. “The mandals in Kolhapur have set an example by not using sound systems during immersion of the idols,” remarked Jadhav at the conclusion of immersions.

The procession started from Khasbaug wrestling ground at 9 am on Sunday in the presence of the state minister of home department, Satej Patil, city mayor Vandana Buchade; district collector Laxmikant Deshmukh and municipal commissioner Vijayalaxmi Bidari.

Tukaram Mali Mandal led the procession. The idols were immersed in the Panchganga river and in Irani quarry near Rankala lake. More than 900 mandals participated in the procession, which ended at 5.30 am on Monday.

In Miraj town in Sangli district, 160 mandals participated in the procession that lasted 26 hours. The mandals in Sangli city had already immersed the idols on the 5th and 9th day, as per the city’s tradition. The idols were immersed in the Krishna river.

In Karad town, Satara district, 165 mandals participated in the procession and the idols were immersed at Pritisangam, the confluence of Krishna and Koyna rivers.

In Satara, 165 mandals participated in the procession. The idols were immersed in the lakes Motitale, Phutketale, Sakhartale and at Sangammahuli, the confluence of Venna and Krishna rivers.