BMC's new bomb squad to protect Ganpati devotees

Updated on: 01 August,2009 07:57 AM IST |
Somita Pal |

Civic body also requests pandals to install CCTVs and metal detectors

Civic body also requests pandals to install CCTVs and metal detectors

But with a looming terror threat on the western coast, according to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report, the BMC is planning to deploy its recently-trained bomb squad during the Ganesh festival to prevent any untoward incident.

KEEPING A WATCH: The BMC plans to deploy its recently-trained bomb squad during the Ganesh festival to prevent any untoward incident following a terror threat on the western coast.

An official from the BMC's security department said, "We want to deploy them during the festival so that there is no delay in case of an emergency.

The Indian Army trained our first team of 30 people on defusing bombs during a 13-day camp in Khadakvasla." The official said the places where the squad will be deployed have yet to be decided.

Fully prepared

Additional municipal commissioner Madhav Sangle said, "Ganesh Chaturthi is among the biggest festivals in Maharashtra. The BMC has asked the mandals to be vigilant by installing CCTVs and metal detectors."
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Sangle added that on immersion days, naval boats will be pressed into service at important beaches.

"In an emergency, Coast Guard services will also be used," he said. Another civic official said the BMC will also train Ganesh mandal volunteers. "We will asking the mandals to send their volunteers for training," he said.

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