Nagpur sets up 445 artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion, heavy police deployed

As Ganeshotsav ends in Nagpur, the immersion of Ganesh idols is set to begin across the city. Idols from 1,702 Ganesh mandals will be immersed this year, and given the scale of the processions and crowds expected, the city police have finalised their security arrangements in advance.

Senior police officials visited immersion sites to review preparations for maintaining law and order. The entire plan has been drawn up jointly with the municipal corporation to ensure the immersion process goes smoothly.

Police personnel at every level, from the commissioner down to constables, will be deployed for the arrangements. A company of the State Reserve Police Force and 1,250 home guards are also being deployed to assist. Separate dates have been fixed for the immersion of public Ganesh idols taller than 4 feet. According to available information, 694 large idols will be immersed on September 25, 650 on September 26 and 260 on September 27. However, the overall immersion process will continue until September 30.

Koradi lake, Gorewada, the Police Line lake and Kachi Visa have been designated as the main centres for the immersion of large public idols. Besides the police, other concerned departments will also be present at these locations.

For smaller idols under 4 feet in height, a large number of artificial ponds have been created across the city. Small idols will be immersed at around 445 artificial immersion sites, including Futala, Shukrawari, Sakkardara and Naik lakes. This will help ease crowd pressure on the larger lakes.

Police action will continue against those who violate rules during immersion processions. Special watch will be kept on modified vehicles, banned laser beams and DJ sound systems that break the rules. Police have appealed to Ganesh mandals to follow the prescribed rules and carry out processions in a disciplined manner.

Police will monitor immersion routes, and CCTV cameras will keep watch on crowded areas. Traffic routes will be changed and diversions carried out during peak hours if required. Special crime branch teams will be active to deal with pickpockets and chain snatchers. Anti-chain-snatching, anti-mobile-theft and anti-bag-lifting squads will be deployed in crowded areas and along immersion routes, with a striking force to be rushed to the spot if needed.

A time limit has also been set for sound systems. Sound systems will be allowed to run until midnight on September 25, while on the remaining days they will be permitted only until 10 pm. Action will be taken against violations of the fixed timing and sound rules.

Police have appealed that any emergency, suspicious activity or law-and-order incident during the immersion be reported to them immediately. The Nagpur City Police website lists the emergency helpline number 112 and police control room numbers. Police have appealed to Ganesh mandals and citizens to cooperate with the administration during immersion, follow the designated routes and rules, and exercise particular caution in crowds.