2,681 police officers to patrol roads to ensure a safe Ganeshotsav

The traffic police have made elaborate preparations for the Ganpati festival to maintain law and order and to ensure smooth flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The traffic police have made elaborate preparations for the Ganpati festival to maintain law and order and to ensure smooth flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

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They have not only mapped a special immersion route for the Lalbaugcha Raja idol, but have also made preparations to ensure a smooth ride for mandals throughout the festival.

A force of 2,681 officers would patrol the streets.

They have sought help from the National Social Service, scouts, girl guides and home guards as well as non governmental organisations. In addition, 8,402 volunteers have been deployed.

The traffic police have requested the civic body to fill potholes and asked authorities to trim trees that could obstruct Ganpati processions.

About 3,000 iron drums will be placed on the roads to separate pedestrian and vehicle lanes.

“We have installed 80 CCTV cameras at crucial points and instructed mandals to deploy guards, volunteers and dog squads,” said an officer on condition of anonymity.

Visitors and volunteers have been asked to keep their eyes open for suspicious bags or people.

Thousands visit the city at this time every year, and the police are depending on CCTVs for security of important mandals. “The CCTVs would be directly connected to the control room,” said Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal.