Ganesh Visarjan Security: The Ganesh idol immersion procession (tableau) will be taken out in the capital, Raipur, on Sunday. Raipur Police has made extensive security arrangements for the procession and the immersion ceremony. This year, the police force deployed will be approximately 1.5 times larger than in previous years. To ensure security, the procession route has been divided into six sectors. Around 2,000 police personnel will be on duty, while 50 gazetted police officers will also be deployed at various locations.
Police keeping an eye on troublemakers
Anticipating potential disputes and disturbances during Ganeshotsav, the police have already initiated preventive measures. Over the past 10 days, action has been taken against approximately 180 miscreants across the city’s three zones. According to the police, the objective is to prevent any untoward incidents during the procession and idol immersion.
Security arrangements will not be limited to the main procession route alone. Additional personnel will be deployed in surrounding lanes and areas that have previously witnessed incidents such as disputes, physical altercations, or stabbings.
Surveillance via 5 drones and CCTV
Five drone cameras will be used to monitor the procession route and surrounding areas. Additionally, major intersections and roads will be monitored using CCTV cameras linked to the Integrated Traffic Management System.
Police teams have inspected the status of CCTV cameras. Instructions have been issued to repair any faulty or non-functional cameras before September 25. This will assist in monitoring crowds, traffic, and sensitive areas during the procession.
Plainclothes police personnel deployed
Following past incidents of stabbings along the procession route and near the immersion pond at Mahadev Ghat, police personnel will also be deployed in plainclothes this year. These officers will keep a watch on anti-social elements, eve-teasers, and suspicious activities.
The police will maintain special surveillance on the inner lanes connected to the procession route. Officials noted that, in the past, several incidents occurred in the surrounding lanes rather than on the main procession route. Such locations have been identified, and additional forces will be deployed there. Procession to Travel from Sharda Chowk to Mahadev Ghat
The Ganesh idol immersion procession will commence at Sharda Chowk and proceed via Jaystambh Chowk, Kotwali Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Kankalipara, and Purani Basti, eventually reaching Mahadev Ghat in Raipur via Lakhenagar.
Parking arrangements have been made at various locations to alleviate traffic congestion along the procession route. The police have appealed to devotees to join the procession on foot rather than using private vehicles, wherever possible, to ensure smooth traffic flow.
7 Cranes and 12 Divers to Manage Operations at Mahadev Ghat
Seven cranes and approximately 12 divers will be deployed at the immersion pond at Mahadev Ghat to ensure the safe immersion of idols. Crane operators and divers will work in three shifts.
Gazetted officers, along with an adequate police force, will be deployed around the pond. To ensure safety, only a limited number of people will be permitted near the pond during the immersion process. This measure will help control the crowd and facilitate rapid rescue operations in the event of an emergency.
Police Force to Accompany Procession from Pandal to Immersion Site
Police personnel deployed at major Ganesh pandals during the festival will accompany their respective processions on the day of immersion. The police force will oversee security arrangements from the moment the procession leaves the pandal until it reaches Mahadev Ghat.
Police officials have instructed personnel to take immediate action regarding any disputes, anti-social activities, or law-and-order issues. The overall police strategy aims to ensure the safe conclusion of the Ganesh immersion procession and maintain law and order amidst the large crowds expected to gather.
