The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will deploy drinking water, queue management, sanitation, medical assistance, ambulances and mobile toilets at Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial in Dadar ahead of his death anniversary on November 17, following directions issued by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
The arrangements are being planned for the large number of Shiv Sena workers and citizens expected to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan to pay their respects. Tawde issued the instructions during a preparatory review meeting at BMC headquarters on Friday, where civic and police officials assessed arrangements for the observance.
G North Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner Yogesh Desai briefed the meeting on preparations at the memorial and surrounding areas. He said work related to civic amenities and other arrangements for the November 17 programme had already begun.
Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi called for coordination between the BMC, police and other government departments in view of the expected turnout. He suggested covered waiting areas, drinking water and seating for visitors waiting in queues, along with dust-control measures around the venue.
Ghadi also stressed the need for regular cleaning of the premises, coordination with traffic police and the display of contact numbers for nodal officers at the venue. He suggested that photographs of Balasaheb Thackeray be placed across the premises.
Tawde directed the civic administration to ensure that visitors do not face inconvenience because of inadequate facilities. Her instructions included maintaining cleanliness, managing queues, providing drinking water and coordinating traffic arrangements around the memorial.
The Mayor also directed officials to establish medical facilities in coordination with the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell and the Mumbai Mayor’s Medical Assistance Cell. Medical services and ambulances are to be deployed to respond to emergencies during the observance.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, Improvements Committee Chairperson Sandhya Doshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lawangare and senior civic and police officials.
Ghadi said a large number of people from Maharashtra and other parts of the country follow Thackeray’s ideology and work. He also noted that this year marks Thackeray’s birth centenary, with various programmes being organised throughout the year.
Tawde suggested arranging an instrumental musical group as a tribute, citing Thackeray’s interest in art. She also instructed officials to make suitable arrangements at other locations associated with him, including statues, squares and memorial sites.
The Mayor said the administration could seek additional funds if required to ensure adequate arrangements and added that she would personally visit the site to inspect the preparations.
