Mumbai Police has announced extensive security and traffic arrangements for Ganpati Visarjan on Anant Chaturdashi, with more than 21,000 police personnel and around 7,000 volunteers being deployed across the city.
To manage the expected crowds, the police have appealed to railway and metro authorities to operate services around the clock. Mumbai Traffic Police have also planned 84 route diversions and positioned 95 cranes to support the immersion arrangements and manage traffic movement.
A central command centre and 51 watchtowers have been set up to monitor 341 designated immersion sites across Mumbai. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Manoj Kumar Sharma shared details of the arrangements during a press briefing.
Over 7,000 Large Ganpati Idols to Be Immersed
Sharma said the city is expected to witness a massive turnout during Anant Chaturdashi, with more than 7,000 large Ganpati idols and around 9,000 major mandals participating in the immersion process.
Among the 341 immersion locations, Girgaon Chowpatty is expected to remain the busiest. Other major locations include Dadar, Mahim, Versova, Powai and Juhu, along with several lakes across the city.
The police have also continued to introduce new arrangements each year to improve the immersion process. One such initiative includes the upgraded ramp at Versova Jetty.
Rafts have been made available at all immersion locations. Additional Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police and other police personnel have also been deployed.
The security arrangements include the Delta Squad, anti-riot police, Quick Response Teams and Home Guards. A dedicated police control room will monitor activities across the city, with the aim of maintaining public safety and preventing crowd-related incidents.
Mumbai Police Appeals for 24-Hour Train and Metro Services
With large numbers of devotees expected to travel across Mumbai, the police have requested railway and metro authorities to keep services operational 24/7 on Anant Chaturdashi.
Special teams will also be deployed to help locate children who may become separated from their families in crowded areas. Medical facilities and doctors will be positioned at strategic locations to provide assistance when required.
A new control room at Girgaon Chowpatty will coordinate with Ganesh mandals and provide them with updates during the immersion process.
Police Issue Safety Appeal to Devotees
Mumbai Police has appealed to devotees to remain disciplined and cooperate with security personnel, particularly at heavily crowded immersion locations.
Citizens have also been advised to immediately alert the police if they notice any abandoned or suspicious object. For urgent assistance, people can contact the police helpline at 100 or 112.
The extensive arrangements have been put in place to manage the large crowds and support a safe and orderly Ganpati immersion process across Mumbai.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information shared by Mumbai Police regarding security, traffic and public-safety arrangements for Ganpati Visarjan. Plans and arrangements may be updated by the authorities depending on crowd conditions and operational requirements. Citizens should follow the latest instructions issued by Mumbai Police and other relevant authorities.