HYDERABAD, SEP 13 :  Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar assured that the Ganesh immersion celebrations in Hyderabad and Secunderabad will be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, urging citizens to cooperate in making the event a success.

Speaking to the media at the Collectorate office on Friday after reviewing the arrangements with officials, the Minister emphasized that the government has made extensive preparations to ensure the immersion ceremony on September 17 proceeds smoothly and without any political influence.

As the in-charge Minister of Hyderabad, Ponnam Prabhakar stated that, following the Chief Minister’s directives, meetings have already been held with senior officials, festival committee members, district collectors, and top police officers in both cities.

The police administration has been instructed to ensure there are no traffic disruptions during the celebrations. The Minister encouraged the public to promptly inform the police and revenue departments of any issues arising during the immersion process. Strong measures have been put in place to maintain peace and security, with the cooperation of both citizens and public representatives being crucial.

The Minister also noted that Muslim religious leaders have agreed to hold the Milad-un-Nabi festival on September 16, underscoring Hyderabad’s unity. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb the peace during the festivities.

“The Ganesh festival should be celebrated freely in a positive atmosphere, and anyone trying to create unrest through social media will be dealt with firmly,” Prabhakar declared.
District Collector Anudeep Durishetty confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the immersion ceremonies take place peacefully in Hyderabad. He said that clear instructions have been issued to district-level officials regarding the process, and efforts will be made to prevent any issues in all sectors, circles, and zones.

He added that extra precautions would be taken for larger idols, particularly in areas like Balapur and Khairatabad.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand stated that the police force has been fully mobilized to ensure peace and security during the immersion event. He said that 15,000 police personnel, including 3,000 from other districts, have been assigned for duties, with an additional 8,000 officers being recruited.

The government has provided funds and support to ensure smooth celebrations. Measures will also be taken to minimize traffic disruptions, and the cooperation of citizens and festival committee members is essential.

GHMC Mayor Gadwala Vijayalakshmi, Additional Collector Revenue Venkatachari, and other officials from the police, GHMC, as well as journalists, were present at the meeting.(UNI)