Pune: Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasne on Wednesday directed civic and police authorities to complete all pending preparations for Ganeshotsav within the next four days, prioritising smooth movement of devotees, road repairs, installation of CCTV cameras and provision of adequate public toilets.The directions followed a joint inspection of the city’s core areas by Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Rasne, who reviewed preparations for Ganeshotsav, with a focus on crowd management, traffic planning and public safety. The team visited key Ganesh pandal locations along Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Mandai, Bohri Ali and Laxmi Road.Highlighting the expected surge in footfall during the festival, Rasne urged PMC to expedite road repair and resurfacing works in central Pune. “Thousands of devotees will visit these areas during Ganeshotsav. Citizens should not face inconvenience due to poor road conditions,” he said.Rasne also called for robust arrangements for daily waste collection and management, along with the installation of adequate directional signage to assist visitors and ease congestion. “We have asked the administration to put in place an effective waste-management system and install guidance boards across key locations. This will help reduce confusion and improve crowd movement,” he said.Describing Pune’s Ganeshotsav as a festival with a legacy spanning more than 130 years and international recognition, Rasne stressed that celebrations should be conducted without disruptions. He also sought improved illumination in areas likely to witness heavy footfall.PMC officials said additional public toilets would be set up at strategic locations, while extra sanitation staff would be deployed to maintain cleanliness during the festival.CP urges mandals to adhere to noise normsPolice commissioner Amitesh Kumar said Ganesh mandals have been instructed not to install more than four speakers and four bass units as part of efforts to curb noise pollution during the festival. “Many mandals have responded positively to the directive. Continuous meetings are being held with organisers to ensure smooth and disciplined celebrations,” Kumar said.He said police were making elaborate safety and security arrangements for devotees and warned that mandals found violating prescribed noise norms would face action.
