Mumbai gears up to bid adieu to Lord Ganesha

Mumbai, Sep 14: The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and city police have made elaborate arrangements for the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols tomorrow, which will culminate the 11-day long festival.

"A total of 31 artificial ponds have been created for immersion while people can also immerse the idols of the elephant-headed deity in 68 natural ponds across the mega-polis," MCGM said in a statement.

Last year, the civic body had created 26 artificial sites for immersion while there were 71 natural sites. "607 life guards are being deployed, 58 control cells and 74 first aid centres have also been set up in the city.

Moreover 81 motor boats and 60 ambulances have been kept ready," it said, adding 118 portable toilets have been set up. 201 'Nirmalya Kalashas' are also being kept by the civic body.

As many as 5,173 employees and 2,382 officers will be working to oversee the immersion. Prime locations for immersion are Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty, Marve etc.

Mayor Snehal Ambekar and civic chief Ajoy Mehta in a joint statement appealed devotees to inform the civic authorities as and when they need any assistance or if they are stung by jelly fish or sting ray.

The immersion process is likely to begin since the wee hours and over 50,000 idols are likely to be immersed amid fanfare and tight security. Police have beefed up security and companies of the State Reserve Police Force are also being deployed.

"We are in touch with all the concerned agencies and have made necessary arrangements for a smooth 'Visarjan' (immersion)," Mumbai Police spokesperson Ashok Dudhe told PTI.

"Apart from our full strength, cranes, watchtowers, drones, coast guard’s helicopters, CCTVs and floodlights have been arranged to keep a watch on every movement of the revellers and devotees," he added.

A senior police officer told PTI that the leave of officials has been cancelled in view of the immersion. "Our strong team of all assistant sub-inspectors, constables, women constables along with hundreds women officers, have been deployed to maintain law and order," said the official.

PTI