Alert in Mumbai on Ganesh Chaturthi | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Alert in Mumbai on Ganesh Chaturthi

None | ByAgencies, Mumbai
Aug 27, 2006 05:22 PM IST

Apart from deploying armed police personnel at all the marquees, closed-circuit TV cameras are also being used.

The 10-day-long celebrations to mark the birthday of lord Ganesha began on Sunday.

HT Image
HT Image

Mumbai is on a high alert since the July 11 train bombings. With the recent bomb blasts in local trains and inputs from the intelligence that there could be a possible terror attack, the Mumbai Police is taking the security issue very seriously.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Police and the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Coordination Committee (SGMCC) have come together to put into place a special security package for the tens of thousands of marquees that have come up all over the city.

"This year we are taking more precautions in view of the 11/7 bomb blasts. Of the 10,228 public marquees, some 100 are very popular and attract huge crowds. We have recommended metal detectors and close-circuit TV cameras to be installed at the entrances," Mumbai Police Commissioner AN Roy said.

"To avert any possible terror strikes at the marquees, the BMC, SGMCC and the police have set up new rules this year. Visitors will have to go empty-handed. Even women devotees will not be allowed to carry purses," said SGMCC President Pandurang Jadhav.

"Even garlands to be offered to the idols will undergo through checks. Devotees offering 'prasad' will have to taste them in the presence of security personnel," Jadhav said on Monday.

"Apart, from deploying armed police personnel at all the marquees, the committees have been asked to submit detailed information of all volunteers to be engaged during the festival. The mobile and residential telephone numbers of the volunteers will have to be submitted to the nearest police stations," Roy said.

"Each committee will have at least 20 volunteers, whose credentials would be verified by the local police stations," Roy added.

"We are also considering installing closed-circuit TV cameras at Dadar, Juhu, Girgaun and other beaches on September 6, the immersion day. Besides, zonal deputy commissioners of police will be monitor security arrangements between the police team and volunteers for security," he said.

"Intelligence inputs had warned us to be on guard from August 15 to 20. We have been extra cautious. Vital installations and places of importance have been under heavy security since Independence Day and will continue to remain so at least for a few days ahead," the police commissioner said.

Intelligence agencies have tipped Mumbai Police that some 'leftover' groups of terrorist outfits are still roaming in the country and Mumbai could still be their target.

Security has therefore being tightened at railway stations, bus terminuses, entry points, vital installations, religious places and communally sensitive areas, sources said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On