30 August,2023 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A group taking Ganesha idol for immersion /Pic/Satej Shinde
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) on Wednesday said that they will install over 2000 lights across Mumbai ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. The lights will be used to illuminate 71 procession routes, 20 immersion sites and 39 artificial ponds across the city.
In a media statement, the undertaking said that the electricity supply department oversees the lighting plan for public procession route and immersion places during Ganesh Chaturthi as per a mandate by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The BEST undertaking also mentioned that they will be installing 15 permanent lamps at the immersion sites and a total of eight diesel generator sets will be arranged for alternative power supply at the immersion sites to ensure smooth power supply in case of emergency in crowded places.
"Every year the electricity supply department of BEST prepares the lighting plan for public Ganeshotsav procession route immersion places as per the mandate given by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and provides temporary power supply to the Ganeshotsav mandals as per their power supply demand application," the undertaking said in a statement adding, "The BEST initiative has planned the lighting of 2296 lamps at 71 procession routes, 20 immersion sites and 39 artificial ponds for Ganesha devotees in the city. A total of 15 permanent electric lamps are being erected for proper lighting at the immersion sites. Also, a total of 8 diesel generator sets will be arranged for alternative power supply at the immersion sites to keep the power supply smooth in case of emergency in crowded places."
Additionally, BEST will be installing 19 searchlights with high intensity to help lifeguards reach the depth of the sea in cases of emergency at immersion sites.
"A total of 19 searchlights with high intensity will be arranged to help the lifeguards to reach the depth of the sea to save the drowning in case of an emergency during immersion in the sea. Officers and staff will be appointed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted power supply at the immersion sites," it further read.
The agency said that an information booklet has been published which provides guidelines for the applicants to get temporary power supply for their Ganesh Chaturthi pandals. They said that all guidelines and information pertaining to arrangements can be accessed through their website (https://www.bestundertaking.com).
