Kolhapur sets aside flood woes, gears up for Bappa

KOLHAPUR: Leaving behind the bitter memories of devastating flood and Covid, Kolhapur citizens started preparations to bring home their beloved Bappa from Thursday evening.
To avoid the rush on Friday, many citizens preferred to take the Ganesh idols home on Thursday evening. Although the light drizzle caused some inconvenience, the festive spirit was high.
The market areas like Mahadwar road, Rajarampuri, Paan lane, KMC chowk, Shivaji Maharaj chowk, Bhavani mandap, Bindu chowk, etc were packed and congested on Thursday.The markets were abuzz with people purchasing flowers, fruits, garlands, decorative products.
The police had diverted traffic leading to Shahupuri, Gangawesh and Bapat camp kumbhar galli to avoid any untoward incidents. No processions or rallies have been allowed while bringing Ganesha.
Kolhapur superintendent of police Shailesh Balkawade said, “Traffic leading to Shahupuri, Gangawesh and Bapat Camp Kumbhar Galli has been diverted and only essential services and vehicles carrying Ganesh idols will be allowed in the area.”
Around 2,500 police personnel, 1,500 home guards, two teams of rapid action force, a dog squad and bomb disposal squad has been deployed in the city.
The administration has asked the Ganesh pandals to arrange vaccination camps. District collector Rahul Rekhawar said, “The fear of third wave is there. The Ganesh mandals should arrange mass vaccination drives.”