The Villupuram Collector, Sheik Abdul Rahman, has instructed organisers of Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations not to install statues measuring more than 10 feet from the ground level.Chairing a meeting at the Collectorate on Tuesday, he said that those installing idols should have obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective tahsildars. If the site where the idols are to be installed is situated on a private land, the NOC should be obtained from the land owners and if the site happens to be on a poromboke land, the NOCs would have to be obtained from the concerned department or the local body.The organisers should be aware that a NOC should be obtained from the police for use of public address system and a certificate from the Fire and Rescue Services should certify that adequate fire prevention measures have been put in place and an acknowledgement should be obtained from the Tangedco.Idols should be made of clay and no plaster of paris and other chemical substances should be used. Water soluble paints should be used and chemical paints are not allowed. Idols should not be installed in places that are closer to other places of worship, hospitals and educational institutions. Cone-type speakers are prohibited and only box-type speakers can be used.Organisers should ensure optimum lighting and fire and rescue services personnel should ensure that fire prevention measures are in place. Flowers, cloths, decorative items and plastic should be removed from the idol before immersion, the Collector added. Published - September 01, 2026 08:11 pm IST