GRP takes steps to curb balloon throwing incidents in Mumbai

Around 12 GRP teams will stand guard with phone cameras at around seven sensitive locations – most of them along slum pockets - where such incidents have been taking place in the past

This Holi, the government railway police (GRP) will ensure commuters are not inconvenienced by balloons been hurled at running trains.

Around 12 GRP teams will stand guard with phone cameras at around seven sensitive locations – most of them along slum pockets - where such incidents have been taking place in the past.

The railway police personnel have been conducting awareness campaigns at slum areas along railway tracks, warning people of strict action if caught throwing balloons at running trains. Owing to the measures taken, only one incident of balloon throwing was reported in 2015 and none were reported in 2014.

“GRP personnel will be stationed at stretches between Mahim and Santacruz, Goregaon and Kandivali, Dahisar and Bhayander on western line and Kalwa and Mumbra on the central line. Besides they will also keep an eye around Vidyavihar, Masjid Bandar, Thakurli and Anand Nagar in Sion,” said Madhukar Pandey, GRP commissioner.

GRP officers said they have sought help from the police as there are spots where fences have been broken and the culprits are likely to run away after throwing balloons.

All the police stations, meanwhile, have been asked tighten security and conduct patrols in their areas. “The SUVs bought to attend to complaints pertaining to women and children will be used for patrolling during Holi,” said Dhananjay Kulkarni, deputy commissioner and Mumbai police spokesperson.

These vehicles, fitted with GPS, will help officials reach as soon as an untoward incident is reported.

The police will also intensify drive against the drunk drivers by conducting nakabandi. Police presence will be beefed up around beaches and spots where the footfall is high during Holi.