Ganeshotsav 2026: Wardha Police deploy over 2,400 personnel for security

Ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026, Wardha Police have made large-scale preparations to maintain law and order, ensure the festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and peace, and check noise pollution and the use of laser lights. Police said Ganeshotsav is a festival of social unity, devotion and cultural tradition, and it is being marked with both restrictive measures and modern technology to keep it safe and disciplined.

To curb noise pollution, the Superintendent of Police, Wardha, has issued orders under Sections 36 and 38(1) of the Maharashtra Police Act, which have been widely publicised. Those using loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment have been directed to strictly follow the noise limits set by the Supreme Court, High Court and the government. Noise level readings have already been taken with Noise Level Meters in silence zones in every police station area, so that violations during the festival can be caught immediately. Strict action will be taken against those who breach the limits, as per law.

Considering that laser lights used during processions and other events can endanger the elderly, children and especially vehicle drivers, the District Magistrate, Wardha, has issued an order under Section 163 of the BNSS banning the use of laser lights in the district. Police have been given the necessary instructions to strictly enforce this order, and legal action will be taken against violators.

To ensure the festival passes off smoothly, Wardha Police have laid special emphasis on coordination between Ganesh mandals, loudspeaker owners and operators, peace committees and citizens. The Superintendent of Police, Wardha, held meetings with all these groups and gave detailed guidance on noise limits, discipline during processions, traffic arrangements and law and order. In addition, at every police station level, sub-divisional police officers and station heads have held separate meetings with peace committees, organising mandals and DJ operators and owners to work out local issues, procession routes, timings and necessary precautionary measures.

This year, Wardha Police have organised the "Ganaraya Utkrisht Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal Spardha-2026", a competition on themes such as a cyber-safe Ganeshotsav, a campaign against narcotics, women's and children's safety, traffic safety, an environment-friendly celebration, health check-up camps and discipline in maintaining law and order. The three best Ganesh mandals will be honoured with awards at each police station level and at the Superintendent of Police's office level, to send the message that the festival carries social responsibility, not just celebration.

To deal with any untoward situation immediately, riot-control plan rehearsals have been held in every police station area, giving police officers and personnel practice in quick response, crowd control and securing sensitive locations. Route marches have also been carried out in various sensitive and important areas of the district so that people are aware of the police's preparedness and presence. Through the festival, a 24x7 Social Media Monitoring Cell will operate at the Cyber Police Station, Wardha, to watch over social media. Close watch will be kept on those spreading rumours or objectionable posts or videos to disturb social harmony. The Superintendent of Police, Wardha, has appealed to citizens not to trust or spread any rumours and to inform the police immediately if they suspect anything.

The security arrangements for the festival include a total of 114 police officers, 1,200 police personnel, 2 riot-control squads, 1 quick-response team, 1,080 home guards and 1 SRPF unit. In all, more than 2,400 police personnel will be deployed across the district during Ganeshotsav. Additional deployment will be made as needed at Ganesh mandals, procession routes, sensitive locations, crowded areas and important intersections.

Wardha Police have made clear that Ganesh mandals and citizens will get full cooperation in celebrating the festival, but any violation of the law, breach of noise limits, use of banned laser lights or any act disturbing public peace and social harmony will not be tolerated. Strict action under applicable laws will be taken against the individuals, organisers, DJ operators and owners or others responsible.

Superintendent of Police, Wardha, Saurabh Kumar Agrawal appealed to citizens of the district to celebrate Ganeshotsav, a festival of devotion, culture, social unity and joy, with great enthusiasm while maintaining peace, discipline and following the law. He asked Ganesh mandals to strictly follow noise limits, procession rules, traffic arrangements and all administrative instructions, and not to use banned laser lights. He also appealed to citizens not to trust or forward rumours and inflammatory posts on social media and to inform police immediately of any trouble. He said Wardha Police are ready round the clock to serve the public and expressed hope for citizens' cooperation.