Bescom Mandates NOC for Bengaluru Ganesha Pandals, Warns Against Power Theft
Ahead of the upcoming Gowri Ganesha festival, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has made it mandatory for pandal organisers across Bengaluru to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before securing temporary electricity connections. The power utility issued a stern warning against illegal power tapping, cautioning that drawing electricity directly through hooks endangers lives and will attract strict penalties.
To facilitate approvals, a single-window system has been opened with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Organisers are required to apply through this single window to secure their NOC. Once obtained, the certificate must be submitted to the respective Bescom sub-division office along with festival pamphlets, Aadhaar cards, and passport-size photographs of the organiser.
Bescom stated that vigilance officers will be deployed across the city to inspect pandal setups and penalise unauthorised power tapping. Officials noted that attempting to hook wires directly to nearby supply points is extremely dangerous and poses severe life-threatening risks to the public.
Organisers have also been instructed to follow strict electrical safety measures at all installation sites. Bescom directed that all lighting systems must be adequately insulated and kept clear of contact with electricity poles. Furthermore, samiyanas and pandals must not be erected close to overhead electric wires, utility poles, or transformer stations.
The utility issued safety advisories concerning festival processions as well. Organisers must inform Bescom sub-divisional officers of their intended procession routes in advance so that field officials can provide necessary assistance and ensure participants remain mindful of overhead power lines.
Bescom also directed organisers to clearly demarcate and mark a 'Danger Zone' around areas where electrical equipment is installed for the festival. The public and organisers were advised to immediately report any live wires or electrical sparking by calling the 1912 helpline.
