Visakhapatnam: Over 2,000 Ganesha pandals add to gaiety

VISAKHAPATNAM: City youths seem to be immensely enthused about Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, over 2,365 Ganesha pandals have been erected in the city and the number could well reach 2,460 by Monday evening.
Till Sunday evening, the city police have accorded permission for 2,364 Ganesha pandals in the city.
According to the special branch wing, the number of Ganesha pandals has increased by at least 22% from last year. A total of 1,840 Ganesha pandals have been erected in the city, while 700 pandals have been put up in the rural parts of Visakhapatnam. Sources say that the number of Ganesha pandals in the city could go up to 2,500 in the city and up to 900 in rural parts.
This year, an exclusive website was launched in the city to provide single-window clearance from various departments. The website was being monitored by Zebi Data India Pvt Ltd using block-chain technology.
Interestingly, the number of very tall idols in the city has gone down this year. Only some huge idols ranging from 20ft to 35ft will come up in parts of the city.
City police chief RK Meena has advised organisers of Ganesha pandals to restrict the idol size to a maximum height of eight feet.