High-tide visarjan days worry BMC

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has warned devotees and Ganpati mandals to take precaution while visiting city beaches during immersion, as high tides from 1.09 metre to 4.21 metre are expected to hit the city beaches during the next few days.

As per the information issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on August 26, which marks the immersion of one-and-a-half day Ganpati idols, a 4.11-metre high tide is expected around 2.55 pm. Similarly, on the fifth immersion day, a 3.23-metre high tide is expected around 5.48 pm. As a precautionary measure, the BMC has decided to deploy extra lifeguards.

"Besides our own lifeguards, we will also hire guards from agencies and pools across the city to help existing teams at various immersion points in the city," said a senior official from the Fire department. Major points where these lifeguards will be deployed are - Dadar Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, Mahim, Girgaum Chowpatty, Bandra Bandstand and Backbay Reclamation.

Agencies are especially concerned about safety arrangements for Anant Chaturdashi on September 5, when maximum number of idols are immersed. "On September 5, a 4.11 metre high tide is expected around 11.36 am and a 3.86 metre high tide at night around 23.45 metre. This will make it a difficult task to handle the crowd," said the official.