Hyderabad: GHMC intensified preparations for Ganesh Festival 2026 and directed officials to coordinate arrangements for processions, immersion, sanitation, traffic and public safety. GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan reviewed the preparations at the civic body’s head office on August 20.
All Additional Commissioners, Zonal Commissioners and Heads of Departments participated in the review. The meeting focused on ensuring smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival across the city.
Officials gave particular attention to newly added circles, zones and incorporated areas. These locations were expected to witness significant movement of Ganesh idols and devotees. Vinayaka Chavithi was scheduled for September 14, 2026, while Ganesh immersion was scheduled for September 25.
Ganesh Festival 2026 coordination meetings planned
Karnan directed all Zonal Commissioners to conduct convergence meetings at the zonal level as part of advance preparations. Internal GHMC departments and other government agencies would participate in these meetings.
The coordination exercise would involve Police, Fire, Irrigation, TRANSCO, Roads and Buildings and HMWSSB. HMDA, DM&HO, Metro Rail, HRDC and Tourism officials would also participate.
Moreover, special convergence meetings would be conducted for newly added circles and zones. Officials would focus on procession routes, immersion points, traffic management, sanitation and lighting.
Power supply, medical facilities, emergency response and public safety would also form part of the Ganesh Festival 2026 planning. GHMC decided to give special attention to arrangements for the Balapur Ganesh procession and immersion.
The Utsav Committee, Police and other departments would coordinate the planning. A dedicated coordination mechanism would address issues arising during preparations and festival activities.
Officials would focus on roads, barricading, cranes, electricity and water supply. Sanitation and emergency services would also receive attention under the coordinated plan. The arrangements were aimed at responding quickly to operational problems along the procession and immersion routes.
Control rooms to monitor Ganesh immersion
GHMC planned to operate a Control Room for real-time monitoring, coordination and quick response during the festival and immersion period. The existing plan also included a Control Room at Tank Bund.
Static and mobile cranes would be positioned at major lakes, tanks and other immersion locations. GHMC would deploy Ganesh Action Teams at regular intervals to support festival operations.
Round-the-clock sanitation personnel would also be deployed. In addition, the civic body planned mobile toilets and fogging teams at required locations.
Cranes, boats and medical teams to be deployed
GHMC planned to deploy cranes, boats and swimmers at immersion locations. Lifesaving equipment would also be kept available to respond to emergencies. Ambulances and paramedical personnel would form part of the safety arrangements.
The civic body also set deadlines for infrastructure work along Ganesh procession routes. Road repairs on identified procession routes were targeted for completion before September 13.
Similarly, crane-related works were scheduled for completion before the same deadline. The preparations involved GHMC, Utsav Committees and all concerned line departments.
Officials planned special attention for the newly incorporated areas and Balapur while preparing for Ganesh Festival 2026. GHMC said the coordinated arrangements were intended to ensure safe, clean and organised festival and immersion activities across the city.