The Greater Chennai Police has issued a set of guidelines for the installation, worship and immersion of Vinayaka idols ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi on September 14.The guidelines were issued at a consultation meeting held at the Police Commissionerate on Tuesday evening, chaired by Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj. Around 200 representatives of 29 Hindu organisations attended the meeting.Police said organisers must obtain permission from landowners and the concerned local bodies, the Highways Department or other government agencies before installing idols. No-objection certificates from the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the Electricity Board are also mandatory. Organisers must submit the prescribed forms to the jurisdictional police station and comply with the conditions specified by the police.The height of idols has been restricted to 10 feet from the base. Police also directed organisers not to use environmentally harmful materials such as Plaster of Paris (POP) and poisonous chemicals. Installation of idols near other places of worship, hospitals and educational institutions should be avoided.The police warned organisers against raising slogans that could promote communal hatred or hurt the sentiments of people belonging to other religions. Two volunteers must be deployed round the clock on a rotational basis to ensure the security of the idols, while CCTV cameras must be installed at the installation sites.Political or religious promotional banners should not be displayed at the venues. Organisers have also been directed to strictly adhere to fire safety norms and regularly check electrical installations and pandals to prevent accidents.For immersion, idols must be transported only in authorised four-wheelers through designated routes and on days permitted by the police. They must be immersed peacefully at designated locations. Bursting of firecrackers will not be permitted at idol installation sites, procession routes or immersion points.The Commissioner instructed the organisers to comply with the orders of the Madras High Court and the Tamil Nadu government and coordinate with the police to ensure that the celebrations and processions are conducted peacefully and without causing inconvenience to the public. Published - September 09, 2026 05:30 am IST