Mayor Ritu Tawde orders civic facilities at Dadar memorial ahead of Balasaheb Thackeray death anniversary

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure the necessary civic facilities at Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray's memorial in Dadar ahead of his death anniversary on November 17, according to an official statement.

Large numbers of Shiv Sainiks and members of the public are expected at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan to pay tribute. The BMC has been asked to arrange drinking water, queue management, cleanliness, medical help, ambulances and mobile toilets.

Tawde gave the directions on Friday at a preparatory review meeting at the BMC headquarters. Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, Improvements Committee Chairperson Sandhya Doshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lavangare and senior BMC and police officials were present.

Yogesh Desai, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North ward, briefed the meeting on the preparations under way at the memorial and in the surrounding area. He said work on civic facilities and other arrangements for the November 17 event had begun.

Ghadi said many people from Maharashtra and other parts of the country follow Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology and work. He also recalled that this year marks Thackeray's birth centenary, with various events held through the year.

Given the expected crowd, Ghadi spoke of the need for coordination among the BMC, the police and other government departments. For people in the queue, he suggested shaded waiting areas, drinking water, seating and measures to control dust.

He also stressed the need for regular cleaning of the premises, coordination with the traffic police and display of nodal officers' contact numbers on site. He further suggested that pictures of Balasaheb Thackeray be put up at various points in the premises.

According to the statement, Tawde told officials that visitors should face no inconvenience because of incomplete civic arrangements. She asked the administration to coordinate on providing drinking water, handling queues, keeping the area clean and managing traffic. Mobile toilets will also have to be installed in the area.

The mayor also directed that medical facilities be set up together with the Chief Minister's Assistance Cell and the Mumbai Mayor's Assistance Cell. Necessary medical services and ambulances should be stationed to deal with emergencies.

Noting Balasaheb Thackeray's interest in the arts, Tawde suggested that a music group be arranged to present instrumental music during the event as a tribute.

She asked officials to make proper arrangements at other places linked to Thackeray, namely statues, squares and memorial sites. The mayor said the administration could seek additional funds if needed. She also said she would visit the site herself to review the preparations.