Ganesh welcomed amid tight security arrangements

Mumbai, Sep 3 (UNI) The ten-day Ganesh festival commenced on a peaceful note today with police making elaborate security arrangements in the Metropolis and across the state.

State security agencies have been working overtime and the city police have also involved festival organisers, mandals, in enforcing law and order. They are being encouraged to implement security measures, police said.

''Almost entire police force has been deployed in the city to ensure safety as we do not want to take any chance that would disturb the law and order in the state,'' Joint Commissioner of Police (law and order) K L Prasad said, adding, '' our entire efforts are aimed at having a peaceful celebration for the people in the city.'' The city's ''Lalbaughcha Raja Mandal'', the prime attraction for its mammoth idol, which is celebrating its 75th year, has made tight security arrangements for the benefit of devotees.

With the combined efforts of various agencies, the day ended peacefully with no untoward incident being reported.

UNI PP/AAA RN SY RAI2038