Key Points

Mumbai is witnessing processions from iconic Ganesh mandals and others, accompanied by dhol-tasha beats, gulal (coloured powder) and firecrackers, weathering rains to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha. Devotees are also visiting the 70 natural sites and around 290 artificial lakes available for immersion of idols.

Processions from leading Ganeshotsav mandals, particularly in Lalbaug, Tejukaya, Ganesh Gully, Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, Mumbaicha Raja and others, started moving by 1 PM toward the seafronts. The traditional “Pushpvrishti” (flower shower) at Shroff Building on Lalbaugcha Raja from a Rafale aircraft attracted large crowds.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, other ministers and elected representatives, accompanied by senior government, police and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, gathered at Girgaum Chowpatty to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha.

Mumbai Police have deployed over 21,000 personnel — including 12 Additional Commissioners, 40 DCPs, 3,000 officers and 18,000 constables — supported by 14 SRPF companies and 4 CAPF units, including a women’s CRPF battalion. For the first time, AI-based tools are being used for route management, with an AI control room at Girgaon Chowpatty and QR codes for mandal vehicles to monitor crowding and traffic in real time. Over 10,000 CCTV cameras and drones are in use, while private drone flying is banned.

Traffic restrictions are in place, with road closures on key routes like Padmashree Govardhan Bafna Chowk to Vinoli Junction, Navjeevan Junction to M Powell Junction, and areas in South Mumbai such as Colaba. The public is urged to use public transport to avoid congestion.

BMC, under municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, has assigned additional municipal commissioners and around 10,000 employees for smooth and incident-free immersions. There are 245 control rooms functioning, and BMC has put in place Nirmalya Kalash, observation towers, electrical systems, ambulances and other facilities. The civic body has deployed 1,175 steel plates to prevent vehicles from getting stuck at intersections, 66 German rafts for immersion of small idols, 2,178 lifeguards and 56 motorboats. Additionally, BMC has deployed 6,188 floodlights and 138 searchlights in collaboration with BEST. Around 538 lifeguards are stationed at immersion points to prevent drowning, and the BMC’s MyBMC WhatsApp chatbot (8999-22-8999) and Google Maps provide immersion site locations.

Mumbai Police and BMC have appealed to citizens to avoid spreading rumours and to follow safety instructions, particularly keeping children out of deep water. They have urged people to maintain cleanliness and discipline at immersion sites, remain alert in crowds and act responsibly. Authorities have also warned devotees to be careful of blue-button jellyfish and stingrays during sea immersions; BMC has made available medical rooms and 108 ambulances in case of fish bites.

Meanwhile, ruling and opposition parties, in the run-up to the upcoming BMC elections, have set up posts at various corners to provide water and refreshments to devotees. Leaders and cadres have been participating in processions; some are distributing Mumbai’s famous vada pav to police and civic personnel, while others have set up medical cells to help citizens.

- IANS