NEWS

Ganesh immersions: Maharashtra on high alert

September 13, 2008 20:17 IST

A high alert has been issued in Mumbai and across Maharashtra following serial blasts in New Delhi, Director General of Police A N Roy said.

"We have all high security in place for the final day of Ganeshotsav immersions on Sunday and we have issued an alert across the state in light of the blasts," Roy told PTI.

Police personnel across the state have been alerted and high security will be maintained throughout the state, he said.

Lakhs of people across the state are expected to take part in the immersion of Ganesh idols on the last day of Ganeshotsav on Sunday. Mumbai is also expected to see lakhs visit its seafronts to participate in the immersions.

The DGP also appealed to people to stay calm and enjoy the festivities of Ganeshotsav.

"People should allow the police to do their work and should refrain from believe in or spreading rumours," Roy added.

Security in the city will be high in order to deal with large crowds on the streets on Sunday, the last day for immersion of idols for Ganesh Utsav.

Security personnel from local police stations, Reserve Force and Border Security Force will be present at various points in the city where the idols will be immersed, police said.

Volunteers from the civil defence forces, NCC cadets and NSS members will also assist in managing crowds on the streets, police said.

Girguam Chowpatty in south Mumbai is expected to see over 3,000 idols immersed and more than five lakh revellers will visit the beach.

Revellers will not be able to light fireworks at immersion points, police said, in a measure to pre-empt creation of unnecessary panic waves.

Special arrangements have been made near immersion points in the suburbs to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

The civic body has made special provisions like boats available to take the idols to the sea to prevent people from wading deep into the water.

Teams from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard will also be present to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the immersions, a defence spokesperson said.

The Coast Guard will be conducting patrolling operations during the day, he said.

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