Mumbai Police has deployed more than 24,000 personnel across the city for Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, as large crowds are expected during Ganesh idol immersion. The security arrangement includes officers, constables, trainees and specialised units, with the deployment being overseen by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.
The force includes 3,213 officers, 18,940 constables and 1,050 police trainees. A mounted police unit will also patrol beaches, marking its first use for crowd management during Anant Chaturdashi visarjan.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Manoj Kumar Sharma said, “The police officers went through rigorous training. A total of 22 horses were trained for horse-mounted patrolling, but how many will be fielded is still being finalised. All trained horse-riding officers will be useful for it.”
Specialised Units on Alert
The deployment will also include six Joint Commissioners, nine Additional Commissioners, 38 Deputy Commissioners and 66 Assistant Commissioners.
Specialised forces, including the Rapid Action Force, State Reserve Police Force, Force One, Quick Response Teams, Anti-Drone squads, Anti-Terrorism Squad and Riot Control units, have been placed on alert.
Technology will supplement personnel on the ground. Sharma said, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and facial recognition are being deployed across vital spots to track crowds, locations, and pandal movements in real time, alongside our extensive CCTV network. More cranes, boats, and rafts have also been arranged at natural immersion shores like Girgaon, Juhu, Dadar, and Versova to expedite immersions,” he said.
Traffic Arrangements Strengthened
Traffic authorities have also expanded arrangements covering 67 natural immersion locations and 383 artificial ponds.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyanarayan Choudhary said, “Around 3500 traffic personnel, 250 officers, and 7000 NGO volunteers are deployed. Five temporary control rooms and 51 watchtowers—including 17 at Girgaon — feature display screens for real-time announcements and missing child alerts.”
Authorities have closed 84 roads, converted 20 routes to one-way movement and restricted heavy vehicles. Dedicated parking has been arranged at BPT grounds, while 95 hydraulic cranes and patrol teams will assist with traffic management and vehicle breakdowns.
Citizens have been advised to remain alert and contact 100 or 112 during emergencies.
Source: Mid-day
