Stage Set for Ganesh Immersion Today—Foolproof Security Arrangements in Place

Hyderabad, Sept.22 (Maxim News): The stage is set for Ganesh immersion at Hussainsagar lake in the city, as also some other lakes around the city, on September 23. Police and other departments have made elaborate arrangements for the event to pass-off smoothly and for the convenience of the public who would be taking part in it, and those who would be visiting the Sagar Lake to witness the colourful day long celebration, which might go on till early morning next day. The route map for the 18 kilometer main procession to reach the Hussainsagar, starting at Balapur in old city, was finalized and police have already started keeping a watchful eye on the entire route.

The police authorities are deploying more than 17,000 policemen for the purpose, apart from 13 units of Greyhounds and two units of OCTOPUS. In all about 40,000 police personnel and officials would be on duty in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates. All wings of the Hyderabad City Police –Law and order, traffic, SB, Transport, city security wing, armed reserve police, bomb disposal squads (16), dog squads (22), emergency response teams, Vajra vehicles, gas squads– will be part of the bandobust and security activities. Emergency response teams and quick reaction teams will also be stationed at different locations.

The main concentration of the security forces will be on the 18 km route and the Ganesh idols joining the main procession from side lanes.

In all, 51 cranes have been deployed for immersion of the idols, 23 of them will be at Tank bund, 12 at NTR marg, three each at Rajanna bowli and Minister road, and two each at Errakunta and Meeralam tank. Four cranes were kept in reserve at NTR marg. As many as 160 release hooks would be available and with these hooks, immersion of idols would be easier. Idols reaching the Hussainsagar after 2 am the next day, would be diverted to specially arranged holding area for immersion.

The police have intensified bandobust at 605 sensitive places, which will be monitored by 410 mobile parties. SHE teams and Crime teams are also being deployed to prevent harassment of women and to ensure their safety.

Senior police officials would be watching the immersion process through 450 cameras fixed en route the procession. As many as 15 ambulances, two medical teams, 15 fire tenders, 81 watchtowers and 82 mobile toilets are made available at important junctions.

The City Police have issued orders stating that wine shops and bars attached to restaurants (excluding bars in star hotels and registered clubs) will remain closed from 6 am on Sunday to 6 pm on Monday. Elaborate traffic restrictions were also imposed on the day. (Maxim News)