Mumbai:
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure peaceful conduct of the Ganesh immersion procession today with nearly 47,000 strong Mumbai Police, accompanied by contingents of paramilitary forces, keeping a hawk-eye across the metropolis.
Beside city police, personnel drawn from Quick Response Teams, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, State Reserve Police Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force have also been deployed to oversee the tight security across the city, Deputy Police Commissioner (Spokesperson) Dhananjay Kulkarni said.
Around 6,000 idols that were installed in public places are expected to be drawn to various immersion points at the sea, along with a few more thousand at other water bodies across the city during the crowded processions that will last till the dawn of Tuesday.
Anti-sabotage checks would also be carried out by bomb detection teams, assisted by sniffer dogs on the procession route since morning today, the 11th day of the festival, the DCP said.
About 10 per cent of policemen were specially tasked to keep a watch on eve-teasers, anti-social elements, he said, adding, "Over 10,000 volunteers with from NGOs, NSC and NCC cadets will be seen rendering their services during the immersion."
The city traffic, police announced that a total 49 roads will be closed to vehicular traffic while only one way will be allowed on 55 roads and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on another 13 roads.
Parking will not be allowed on 95 roads during the day, police said.
Police have set up five traffic control rooms at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Chowpatty, near Bada Masjid in Bandra, Juhu Chowpatty and Powai. They have also erected 37 watch towers across the city to regulate traffic and monitor the processions.
There are as many as 72 immersion points and 27 artificial immersion places across the city.
As many as 404 lifeguards will be stationed by the city's civic body, along with 67 first-aid teams and 55 ambulances in case of emergencies.
The civic body has also deployed 172 dumpers and 64 watch towers and 278 CCTVs.