Hyderabad Braces for Grand Ganesh Immersion: Police Unveil Massive Security Operation

As Hyderabad prepares for the grand finale of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival – the annual idol immersion – the city's police force has meticulously crafted an extensive security and traffic management plan. With an estimated 25,000 Ganesh idols set to be immersed across various locations, including the iconic Hussain Sagar, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe, smooth, and joyous experience for all devotees on September 28, 2023.

Addressing the media, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), A.V.

Ranganath, outlined the multi-pronged strategy. A formidable contingent of 12,000 police personnel, comprising local police, traffic police, special forces, and armed reserves, will be deployed across the city. Their primary objective is to maintain law and order, prevent any untoward incidents, and facilitate the peaceful movement of devotees and Ganesh processions.

Traffic management forms a critical component of this plan.

To ensure seamless flow and prevent congestion, several roads will be either closed or diverted. Notably, the picturesque Tank Bund will be completely out of bounds for general vehicular traffic, creating an exclusive pathway for the immersion processions. Dedicated routes have been designated for idols of varying sizes, with careful planning to avoid bottlenecks, particularly for the colossal idols heading towards Hussain Sagar.

The police will leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.

A network of over 10,000 CCTV cameras will provide real-time monitoring of key immersion points and procession routes. Additionally, drones will be deployed to offer an aerial perspective, especially in crowded areas. A state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre will serve as the nerve center, integrating inputs from all surveillance points and enabling swift coordination among different units.

Inter-departmental coordination is paramount to the success of this massive undertaking.

The Hyderabad Police are working in close conjunction with various civic bodies, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Electricity Department, Fire Services, and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB). This collaborative effort ensures that essential services such as sanitation, lighting, road repairs, and emergency response are readily available throughout the immersion period.

Special arrangements have been made at immersion points.

Cranes will be strategically positioned at Hussain Sagar and other designated areas to efficiently lift and immerse idols, minimizing waiting times and ensuring safety. The police have also appealed to devotees to cooperate with the authorities, adhere to traffic advisories, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a memorable and incident-free conclusion to the Ganesh festival.

The focus remains on public convenience and the cherished tradition, all upheld by the vigilant eyes and organized efforts of the Hyderabad Police.