From deploying lifeguards to floating nets to prevent contact between devotees, jellyfish, fire brigade, BMC are leaving no stone unturned to ensure public safety during immersion of idols at Mumbai beaches
In order to ensure an event-free visarjan across Mumbai, the fire brigade and the BMC are leaving no stone unturned to ensure public safety. It has been learnt that 160 rescue officers and firemen will be deployed at various immersion points in the city. In addition, 52 lifeguards and 150 volunteers trained by the fire brigade will also be pressed into action.
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A jam-packed Girgaum Chowpatty on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi last year. File pic
Similarly, the corporation will deploy 1,457 employees, boats, cranes, JCBs, bulldozers and nirmalya kalash, among others, across all immersion points in the city. “We’ll deploy two boats and jet skis at Girgaum chowpatty and one each at Dadar, Mahim and Juhu.
Two more will be kept on stand-by in Bandra. We’ll be manning other immersion points too. Lifeguards will be equipped with rescue ropes, life jackets and other necessary equipment,” said S D Sawant, assistant divisional fire officer and in-charge of beach safety.
Girgaum special
Though Girgaum chowpatty, Dadar chowpatty, Juhu beach and Versova are the primary visarjan points in the city, it is Girgaum chowpatty that attracts the maximum crowd. Keeping this in mind, the BMC has made special arrangements at the chowpatty.
“This year, we have deployed more lifeguards, cranes and manpower. Besides, to tackle issues like devotees getting stung by jellyfish, medical aid will be kept at hand. Ambulances will also be stationed at select locations,” said Anand Vagralkar, deputy municipal commissioner and in-charge of arrangements.
The civic body has also installed over 200 iron planks for smooth transfer of idols from the main road onto the beach. It has arranged for barges for transportation of idols deeper into the sea for immersion and floating nets to prevent accidental contact between devotees and jellyfish.
Seven nirmalya kalash, 31 refuge bins, 11 mini compactors, 24 dumpers and mobile toilets will are also a part of tomorrow’s preparations, while the BEST will be providing 283 flood lanterns and four searchlights. Also, 50 lifeguards from Girgaum Chowpatty Lifeguards Association — operated by Rupesh Kothari — will be pressed into action.
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