At the Gateway, extra security is present during the Ganpati immersion

For the immersion of Ganpati idols at the Gateway of India jetty, which will reopen this year after a two-year hiatus, the Mumbai Police have prepared fresh arrangements. According to the police, the Gateway is difficult to control during the immersion events that will begin today (Sunday) and last through September 9 because it is a well-known tourist destination that attracts a large number of tourists and visitors each day. Special police officers have been stationed at the gateway's main points of entry and exit by the police. The Gateway has been specially prepared for the immersion from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) end.

 

A senior police officer who is a member of the Ganpati bandobast squad in Zone I stated, "We have specific setups that will respond to panic calls (if made) in case of any unpleasant event or alerts to regulate the mob and bring it to a normal pace, so no stampede or anything happens. We have set up an exit route that will be in front of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, where extra police officers will be stationed, the speaker stated.

 

The officer said that in order to prevent any unfavourable events, the police will thoroughly scrutinise all visitors and tourists as part of the security procedures. To improve the protection of every citizen in Mumbai, the Mumbai Police has enlisted the help of a private security firm. The deputy commissioner of police for Zone 1, Hari Balaji, confirmed this and stated, "We are taking the utmost measures through the bandobast so that people can have a smooth experience during the immersion events.

 

Around 30 mandals from the neighbourhood were compelled to travel to the Girgaon Chowpatty for immersions before the ban on the Gateway jetty was lifted. According to reports, the prohibition was put in place by the Bombay Port Trust (BPT) in 2019 as a result of an incident in which a boat owned by them was damaged during one of these immersions.

 

 

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