In the view of last day of Ganeshotsav, Anant Chaturdashi, security has been heightened in Mumbai.
The top cop Satyanarayan Choudhary stated that the city police are on high alert to maintain law and order.
Mumbai police have deployed over 24,000 personnel to manage the large crowds expected during the immersion of iconic Ganpati idols, including those from Lalbaugcha Raja and Ganesh Galli. Moreover, nine additional commissioners of police, 40 deputy commissioners of police, and 56 assistant commissioners of police will be deployed to maintain law and order.
In view of the #AnantChaturdashi celebrations on 17th September & #EIDeMilad processions on 18th September across Mumbai City & Suburb, Police bandobast has been deployed across the city to maintain law & order.
— मुंबई पोलीस - Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) September 17, 2024
9️⃣ Addl. Commissioner of Police
4️⃣0️⃣ Deputy Police commissioners…
Drone surveillance will be in place at important immersion sites such as Girgaon Chowpatty, Dadar, Bandra, Juhu, Versova, Powai Lake, and Madh Island, the official said.
He stated that patrolling mobile squads for women's safety will also be deployed, adding that over 10,000 CCTVs have been installed across the city for better surveillance. The Nirbhaya Squad will also be deployed to monitor the crowd, with a focus on ensuring women’s safety, the official mentioned.
In anticipation of heavy traffic, as crowds gather to witness the processions, the police will establish a ‘green corridor’ to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles, particularly for essential and emergency services, ensuring connectivity between the city’s eastern and western suburbs. The Coastal Road will also remain open 24 hours to ease the burden. Apart from this, the Traffic police has issued advisory for the day. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare said more than 2,500 traffic police personnel will ensure smooth movement of vehicles across the city during immersion processions.
Despite the end of Ganeshotsav, the police presence will remain high as the following day marks Eid-e-Milad when processions by the Muslim community will take place.
In addition to the Mumbai Police and Traffic Police, specialised units such as the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Riot Control Force (RCF), Delta Force, Combat Force, Quick Response Team (QRT) commandos, and home guards are deployed from the very first day of Ganeshotsav. The initial deployment of 14,000 personnel during the first week swells to 20,000 by the final day.
At key immersion sites like Girgaon, Juhu, Dadar, and Aksa beach, special task force teams trained to manage large crowds will be deployed. Their focus is on maintaining order without disrupting devotees. Explaining their role, a task force official said.
Additionally, the BMC’s decision to keep the Mumbai Coastal Road open around the clock has made it easier for both the Mumbai Police and the Traffic Police to manage the crowds and traffic.
Police officials expect over 400,000 people at South Mumbai’s Girgaon Chowpatty, where more than 1,000 idols, both large and small, will be immersed in the sea.
Officials said that the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja is expected to be the final idol to arrive and will be immersed early Wednesday morning around 6 am. Preparations for the event begin two months before Ganpati Bappa’s arrival.
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