Villupuram Collector issues guidelines for Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations

The Villupuram Collector, Sheik Abdul Rahman, has issued guidelines for the Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations. He instructed organisers not to install statues taller than 10 feet. Organisers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from tahsildars if installing idols on private land, and from the relevant department or local body if on poromboke land.

A NOC is also required from the police for using public address systems, and a fire prevention measure certificate from Fire and Rescue Services. Tangedco acknowledgement is required as well. Idols should be made of clay, avoiding plaster of paris and chemical substances, with water-soluble paints only. They should not be placed near other places of worship, hospitals, or educational institutions.

Cone-type speakers are banned, and box-type speakers are permitted. Adequate lighting must be ensured, and fire prevention measures must be in place. Organisers must remove flowers, cloths, decorative items, and plastic from the idols before immersion.