Ganesh idols not beyond 3 feet: Hyderabad police to makers

Hyderabad: Keeping in mind the extent of virus spread in Telangana, The Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee announced to restrict the idol height to 9 feet this year and reduce festivities.

Likewise, the Idol makers have now been asked to maintain the height upto 3 feet, only. The Hyderabad police department has issued a notice to the manufacturers and vendor in Dhoolpet and Mangalhat area to restrict the height to 3 feet.

The Mangalhat Police station in its notice said "To uphold the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding religious functions and other large congregations, it is hereby brought to the notice that no Ganesh idol of above three feet shall be made and sold."

"An idol made and sold above 3 feet in height and installed in a public place would give scope for big congregations and processions which may lead to spread of COVID-19 virus," said G Ranaveer Reddy, Station House officer, Mangalhat police station.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has blown away the business of idol makers. "This year, the number of orders are few and none from outside Hyderabad. A few idols of 5-6 feet are ready for sale. However, now with the new order, our business will take a beating as idols measuring 5-6 feet idols might go unsold, said Sachin Singh, Idol maker at Dhoolpet.

Earlier the Ganesh Utsav Samiti appealed to restrict the height of Ganesh idols, "We are calling all Ganesh Puja organisers in the city and telling them to go for a simple celebration. We are suggesting that they not think of competition in the height of the idols but perform the puja observing social distancing," said Dr Bhagwanth Rao, general secretary, Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi.