Udupi district authorities have mobilised a large police contingent to oversee the installation and removal of Ganesha idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations from September 14 to September 29, 2026, aiming for a smooth and orderly observance.
The district plans to handle a total of 492 idol installations and removals. Among them, 415 are classified as ordinary, 74 as sensitive and three as ultra‑sensitive locations. The removal schedule is spread over several days: 211 idols on September 14, 108 on the 15th, 114 on the 16th, 13 on the 17th, 29 on the 18th, four on the 19th, five on the 20th, one each on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th, two on the 25th, one on the 26th and two on the 29th.
Police officials have earmarked specific routes and sites for each removal operation, with heightened surveillance in the sensitive and ultra‑sensitive zones, according to Udupi District Police Superintendent Harirama Shankar. Twenty‑two peace‑committee meetings were convened across the district, bringing together community leaders, festival organisers and residents to pre‑empt any untoward incidents.
Enforcement actions recorded for the 2026 festival season include measures against 611 individuals, of whom 487 were released on bond. The police have also issued an alcohol‑sale ban during the festival period to maintain public order.
A total of 996 officers and staff have been assigned to duty, comprising three Assistant Superintendents/Deputy Superintendents of Police, seven police inspectors, 37 sub‑inspectors, 83 assistant sub‑inspectors, 680 constables (including women constables), 20 district armed personnel, three KSRP teams, 163 home guards, 12 PA system operators, and three drones.
Authorities have urged the public and festival committees to follow the designated routes for idol removal, cooperate with traffic control measures, and avoid any provocative speeches or illegal activities. Specific time restrictions have been imposed in several police‑station jurisdictions: from 6 a.m. to midnight on September 14 district‑wide; from 2 p.m. to midnight on September 16 in Mud Niddamburu, Shivalli, Ambalapadi and Puttur villages; from 2 p.m. to midnight on September 18 in Gangolli, Gujjadi, Hosadu and Trasri villages; and similar curfews in Kasaba, Vaderahobli, Koteswara, Kapu Pad, Majuru, Mallaru and Muluru areas.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi