The Mumbai Police will deploy more than 24,000 personnel across the city on Tuesday for Anant Chaturdashi, the concluding day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, to ensure a safe and smooth immersion of Ganpati idols. Authorities are taking heightened security measures as large crowds are expected to gather for the immersion processions at major sites, including Girgaon Chowpatty, Dadar, Bandra, Juhu, Versova, Powai Lake, and Madh Island.
Drone surveillance will monitor the crowds at these key locations, according to a senior police official. In addition to the deployment of over 24,000 officers, the police force will be supported by nine additional commissioners of police, 40 deputy commissioners, and 56 assistant commissioners to prevent any untoward incidents during the celebrations.
Traffic Management and ‘Green Corridor’ Setup
With heavy traffic expected as devotees and onlookers flood the streets, the city police have planned a ‘green corridor’ to ensure the seamless movement of vehicles between the eastern and western suburbs. The corridor will prioritize essential and emergency services, and the Coastal Road will remain open 24 hours to ease congestion.
Joint Commissioner of Police, Satyanarayan Choudhary, assured that the Mumbai Police are on high alert to maintain law and order throughout the day. Additional measures include the presence of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) platoons, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), riot control units, delta and combat teams, as well as home guards and Maharashtra Security Force personnel.
Ensuring Safety with Extensive Surveillance and Road Measures
More than 8,000 CCTV cameras will be used to maintain a close vigil at immersion sites and crowded areas, ensuring the safety of women and children, the official confirmed. At least 2,500 traffic police officers will be deployed to manage vehicular movement, with some roads temporarily closed, converted into one-way streets, or redirected.
Local authorities have advised Ganesh mandals to exercise caution when using at least 12 old bridges along the Central and Western Railway lines, which are in a deteriorating condition. Mandals are encouraged to avoid large crowds at these locations to prevent accidents. Coordination between the Mumbai Police, Government Railway Police (GRP), and Railway Protection Force (RPF) will ensure uninterrupted train services throughout the night on the day of the immersions.
Security Measures Extended to Eid-E-Milad Celebrations
The heavy police presence will continue into Wednesday to oversee the Eid-E-Milad procession, the official added.
With a massive police deployment and extensive security measures in place, Mumbaikars are urged to remain alert, avoid believing in rumors, and reach out to authorities in case of emergencies during the festivities.
Sources By Agencies
