To ensure nothing comes in the way of the Remover of Obstacles when He embarks on His final journey this year, the city is bracing for roadblocks and diversions.
The police have made special arrangements to ensure there is no stampede-like situation on the procession route of Lalbaugcha Raja. As soon as the Raja cavalcade enters the Two Tanks area, all the by-lanes leading to the procession route will be barricaded. A
Also, no one will be allowed to cross the footpath and join the procession, the police have said. According to them, this move is important to prevent any suspicious person from gaining access to join the procession.
Speaking about the special arrangements, deputy commissioner of police (zone II) Anil Kumbhare told DNA, “Thousands of people follow the Lalbaugcha Raja procession and there is always a fear of stampede if the crowd is not controlled. Elaborated measures have been taken to ensure no stampede takes place and nobody is left injured while the procession is passing.”
He explained that, the procession route for Lalbaugcha Raja at Two Tanks till VP Road area is connected by several by-lanes. “A lot of people use them to join the procession. All of them will be barricaded so that there is smooth passage for Raja and his cavalcade. Also, there will be barricading on the main roads and people will be restricted to the footpaths to get a glimpse of Raja and won’t be allowed to come on main roads and join the procession,” said Kumbhare.
Police sources said that last year the force had faced a tough time in controlling the crowd and their efforts did not yield 100% results, but adequate measures have been taken this year. Over 1,000 policemen will be put on crowd-control duty and ensure that nobody breaches the barricading in the by-lanes and on the procession main routes. Also, 300 men will be put on the job by the zone II police for anti-sabotage operations.
According to joint commissioner of police (traffic) Vivek Phansalkar, the traffic police will erect 37 watch towers fitted with public addressing systems at six major immersion places such as Girgaon Chowpatty, Shivaji Park, Juhu Chowpatty, Powai lake, Versova and Marve for safe immersion of Ganesh idols.
The traffic police have also erected special tents, known as Lost & Found centres, at all these six immersion places, especially for missing children. All these immersions sites are well equipped with first aid and drinking water facilities.
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