Karimnagar Civic Body to Bear Electricity Costs for Ganesh Pandals

The BJP-led Karimnagar Municipal Corporation has announced free electricity for Ganesh pandals set up within the corporation limits during the upcoming Vinayaka Navratri celebrations. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced that the civic body will bear the electricity bills incurred by the pandals.

Speaking in Karimnagar, Bandi Sanjay stated that the municipal corporation is making arrangements for the festival and urged local youth groups to actively participate in organising the celebrations. He asked organisers to ensure that the pandals do not disrupt public movement or cause traffic congestion.

"Set up as many Vinayaka pandals as you want, but ensure there are no traffic issues or inconvenience to the public. The electricity bills for all these Vinayaka pandals are being borne by us. Free electricity this time!" Bandi Sanjay said. He added that the measure aims to encourage young people to engage in community and devotional activities.

Addressing the procedure for providing temporary power connections, the Union Minister noted that utility personnel would carry out their duties and generate the required bills. He stated that TRANSCO staff must carry out cable work and generate bills, and the corporation would cover the resulting charges.

Around 2,000 Ganesh pandals are expected to be installed across the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation limits during the festival. While the civic body has not officially disclosed the exact total financial liability, the overall cost could potentially reach tens of lakhs of rupees depending on electricity consumption, sanctioned load, and the number of days.

The announcement follows the BJP taking control of the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation earlier this year. Kolagani Srinivas serves as the Mayor and Y. Sunil Rao as the Deputy Mayor.

Bandi Sanjay also appealed to organisers to celebrate with devotion while maintaining discipline. In Telangana, organisers are required to secure permissions from civic and police authorities, ensure electrical safety, and follow noise, fire-safety, and environmental regulations without blocking traffic or emergency access.