As the annual Ganeshotsav festival kicks off in Mumbai today, the city’s law enforcement agencies have undertaken extensive security measures to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. With an expected increase in footfall across major pandals and immersion points, the Mumbai Police have deployed over 14,000 personnel to manage crowd control and maintain law and order. This deployment is expected to rise to 20,000 officers as the festivities peak on Anant Chaturthi, scheduled for September 17th.
To handle the large crowds and potential security threats, the police force has mobilized specialized units, including 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. These units will be strategically stationed at critical locations anticipated to attract significant crowds, such as the popular pandals of Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal, Khetwadicha Raja, Chinchpoklicha Chintamani Raja, and Mumbaicha Raja.
Authorities have identified key days requiring heightened vigilance, including the one-and-a-half-day Ganpati visarjan, the five-day celebrations, Gauri-visarjan on the seventh day, and the final immersion on Anant Chaturthi. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers will patrol these areas, ensuring close monitoring of the celebrations. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed at high-risk locations to bolster surveillance efforts, with pandals directed to immediately report any suspicious individuals or objects.
To further mitigate risks, the Mumbai Police have mandated that all pandals install CCTV cameras and set up dedicated monitoring rooms. Special units, such as the Riot Police, will be positioned in close proximity to pandals in high-traffic areas, ready to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents. The Nirbhaya Squad will also be on high alert throughout the festivities, ensuring the safety of women and addressing potential cases of sexual assault and molestation that have been known to spike during the festival. The comprehensive deployment plan includes 32 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP), 34 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP), 2,435 officers, and 12,420 constables. Temporary control rooms have been established at major immersion points, such as Dadar Chowpatty, Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Chowpatty, and Aksa Beach, where crowds will be monitored through extensive CCTV surveillance.
The Mumbai Traffic Police have issued advisories urging devotees to avoid halting Ganesh idols on specific Rail Over Bridges (RoBs) during the visarjan processions. Approximately 13 RoBs are in a weakened condition and could pose safety risks if subjected to additional weight. Traffic authorities have directed pandals and devotees not to stop or dance on these RoBs to prevent accidents. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and joyous Ganeshotsav for all residents and visitors. By deploying substantial manpower and leveraging technology, Mumbai aims to celebrate this revered festival with enhanced security and minimal disruption.
