Ganeshotsav security arrangements have been tightened across Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayandar, with police preparing for the installation of more than 57,000 public and household Ganesh idols during the 10-day festival.
The festival is expected to draw large crowds for idol arrival and immersion processions, public displays and cultural programmes. Police authorities have said the arrangements are intended to prevent law-and-order problems and enable a rapid response to emergencies or tense situations.
As part of the preparations, a riot-control mock drill was conducted at the cricket ground near the Jivdani foothills in Virar East under the jurisdiction of Police Division 3. The exercise was held by the Virar division in the presence of an assistant commissioner of police and included demonstrations on crowd control and dispersing gatherings.
Police have also issued specific instructions to Ganesh mandals and warned that action will be taken against violations of noise-pollution rules, public disorder, alcohol-related nuisance and unruly behaviour. Meetings have been held with office-bearers of Ganesh mandals, who were asked to follow the regulations strictly throughout the festival.
Traffic management is another part of the security plan. A special traffic arrangement has been prepared for procession routes to reduce congestion during idol arrival and immersion movements. The scale of the celebrations is expected to place additional pressure on roads and public movement across the two police jurisdictions.
The police administration has appealed to residents of Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayandar to celebrate peacefully and cooperate with the authorities. The security measures will remain in force through the festival period, including the processions and immersion activities.
