BMC plans shelters, water and medical aid at Chaityabhoomi ahead of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) held a high-level meeting on Thursday ahead of Mahaparinirvan Din. Officials said lakhs of people are expected to reach Chaityabhoomi at Dadar in central Mumbai on the occasion, and shelters, medical facilities and other arrangements have been planned for them.

The BMC said that ahead of the 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on December 6, arrangements will be made at Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park for drinking water, temporary shelters, medical services, sanitation and other civic amenities.

BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide reviewed the preparations at the corporation headquarters. She directed officials to ensure that followers visiting Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park face no inconvenience. She asked the departments concerned to coordinate with one another, identify places where more facilities are needed, and complete all necessary arrangements before the annual event.

Corporator Anil Kadam, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, and Deputy Commissioners Prashant Gaikwad, Prashant Sapkale and Manish Valanju were present at the meeting. Ward-level officials, representatives of various organisations and police personnel also attended.

As part of the preparations, the BMC will carry out painting and decoration work at the Chaityabhoomi memorial, the entrance gate, the Ashoka Pillar, Bhimjyot and the garden area. Garlands of flowers will also be arranged for followers coming to pay tribute to Dr Ambedkar.

The BMC plans to set up a watchtower and a control room. Screens will be put up on both sides of the queues at the Bhagoji Keer cremation ground. The proposed arrangements also include an observation balloon, an exhibition of rare photographs of Dr Ambedkar, and temporary roofing and seating for people standing in queues. The police department will organise a guard of honour and a shower of flower petals, while the BMC will print and distribute an information booklet.

For followers, the BMC will put up waterproof temporary shelters, and signboards giving information and directions will be placed at various points in Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park.

Other arrangements include dust-control measures, sanitation facilities, medical services, tents for food distribution and meditation halls for Buddhist monks. The BMC will also provide purified drinking water, mobile toilets, electricity, fire safety systems and mobile phone charging facilities.