BMC ropes in navy, army to supervise Ganeshotsav security

In the wake of intelligence report of threats to the western coast, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities have for the first time roped in Navy and Army to supervise security arrangements for the forthcoming Ganeshotsav.

In the wake of intelligence report of threats to the western coast, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities have for the first time roped in Navy and Army to supervise security arrangements for the forthcoming Ganeshotsav.

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"Ganesh mandal volunteers will be trained by the Army and Navy officials in handling emergency situations during the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival," a top civic offical said.

"Ganesh Chaturthi, which falls in mid-August, is one of the biggest festival celebrated in Maharashtra, for which the BMC authorities have asked the mandals to be vigil and also to install CCTVs and metal dectectors," Additional Municipal Commissioner Madhav Sangle said.

The volunteers, with the help of Army, Navy, Police and fire officials, will also keep an eye on suspicious activities and groups.

"They would be provided training by various officials in handling emergency situations as there is always a huge turn out during this festival in the metropolis," Sangle said.

Naval boats will also be pressed into service on the immersion day at important beaches.