Stage set for immersion of Ganesh idols tomorrow

MUMBAI: With thousands of devotees expected to flock to the city seafronts on the final day of Ganeshotsav on Tuesday, elaborate security and safety arrangements have been made to ensure smooth immersion of idols and prevent any untoward incident.

The police have also installed CCTV cameras for monitoring crowds on the occassion of Ananta Chaturdashi, the final day for the immersion of Ganesh idols.

There is an increase in the threat perception at the busiest point for idol immersion -Giragaum Chowpatty- in South Mumbai, police said.

Leaves of 40,000-odd police personnel have been cancelled and additional help has been requisitioned from Central and state reserve forces.

Other agencies like the NCC, NSS, Coast Guard, Fire Brigade, HAM Radio Operators and 6,000 volunteers from various NGOs are also expected to aid in the immersions.

Over 1,000 lifeguards will be deputed at seven beachfronts which see huge crowds every year, while 11 boats of the fire brigade will be kept ready for rescue work.

The Coast Guard will conduct sorties by their helicopters and a fast patrol vessel will patrol the coast.

A majority of the offices will be either shut or work for day in view of the traffic snarls which are witnessed on the final day of immersions. The traffic police has made special regulations for vehicular movement.

The Mayor is also expected to take a helicopter ride to shower flowers on idols at Girgaum Chowpatty.