Free Power for Ganesh Mandaps, But Police Permission Mandatory

Telangana has made arrangements to provide free electricity to Ganesh mandaps across the state during the Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations, with organisers required to obtain police permission before seeking the power connection.

Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) CMD Jitesh V. Patil, IAS, said the arrangements had been made following the directions of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The power utility has drawn up a special plan to ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply during the festivities beginning September 14 and the Ganesh immersion on September 25.

Mandap organisers must first secure the necessary permission from the police department and then approach the concerned TGSPDCL office or local electricity officials with the approval document. Free power connections will be provided only on the basis of the police permission, Patil said.

As part of the safety measures, TGSPDCL officials and engineers will personally inspect mandaps and check their electrical arrangements. Each mandap will also be registered through the SASA app, with details such as its name, organisers, contact number, location, GPS coordinates, connected load, photographs and power supply information recorded for monitoring.

An officer will be assigned to each mandap to oversee electricity supply and safety arrangements from the installation of the idol until immersion. Officials and field staff will remain available round the clock throughout the celebrations.

Patil cautioned organisers against direct hooking from electricity lines, warning that such connections could lead to serious accidents. He advised them to use quality wiring, MCBs and other essential safety equipment at the mandaps.

For electricity-related issues, organisers can contact the local fuse call centre, Assistant Engineer, circle control room or the TGSPDCL helpline 1912. In emergencies, they can also send information through WhatsApp at 8712441912.