The State has issued fresh guidelines for the installation, worship and dissolving of Vinayagar idols.
An organiser should apply, in a prescribed format, in advance by at least a month with no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the land owner, Station House Officer and Fire and Rescue Services Department.
They should apply to the Assistant Commissioners of Police, where there are Police Commissionerates, and to RDO/Sub-Collector in other cases. They should obtain a letter indicating source of power supply and proof of temporary supply of electricity from TANGEDCO.
The idols to be installed should be made of pure clay and should not be made of any polluting materials such as Plaster of Paris or painted with prohibited polluting chemicals. Its height should not exceed 10 feet including the base and dais. The organisers should ensure that no illegal activities take place under the pretense of worship, including unauthorised electricity tapping. Flex boards supporting political party or communal leader should not be erected in the premises. Inciting communal hatred and hurting religious sentiments are not be permitted. Firecrackers are not allowed.
Vinayagar idols installed in public places should be taken down within five days from the installation date. The procession for dissolving should be taken out before noon on the specified day in the approved routes prescribed by the police through vehicles. Flowers, clothes and decorations should be removed before dissolving them at the designated places.