Mumbai's Ganesh Visarjan 2024 | Safety protocols, QR codes for artificial ponds & more

As the 10-day Ganeshotsav nears its end, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced comprehensive preparations for an eco-friendly Ganesh Visarjan (Anant Chaturdashi) on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

The city is set to witness a grand celebration of Anant Chaturdashi, with the BMC implementing extensive measures to ensure a smooth and safe immersion process.

The BMC has set up 71 control rooms to coordinate 12,000 staff members across the city. To boost security, 66 observation towers have been installed.

At Girgaon Chowpatty, 478 steel plates and 43 tarpaulins will prevent vehicles from sinking into the sand. For safety, 761 lifeguards and 48 motorboats will be deployed at beaches. Additionally, 163 Nirmalya Kalashas and 274 vehicles will collect floral offerings.

The BMC has also arranged 75 first aid centres and 67 ambulances to handle emergencies, urging citizens to follow water safety guidelines and be cautious of jellyfish along the coast.

This year, the BMC has put a strong emphasis on eco-friendly practices by creating 204 artificial ponds in addition to the 69 natural immersion sites. To make these artificial ponds easily accessible, the BMC has implemented an innovative QR code system. Devotees can simply scan these codes to find the nearest artificial pond locations, complete with Google Map links.

This initiative aims to encourage the use of artificial ponds and reduce the environmental impact on natural water bodies.

Ahead of Ganpati Visarjan 2024, the Mumbai Traffic Police have announced traffic diversions in the western suburbs for September 17 to manage the heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians. The processions attract large crowds, leading to increased congestion, especially with the movement of heavy vehicles and buses.

Key changes include:

• Sakinaka Division: Heavy vehicles banned from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk to Ganesh Ghat. Alternate routes provided.

• Santacruz Division: Devde Road and Juhu Tara Road will be closed. Alternate routes via S. Juhu Road and V.M. Road.

• Goregaon Division: Marve Road and parts of S.V. Road will be restricted.

No-parking zones will also be enforced in key areas like Juhu Road and Vaikunthlal Mehta Road. Additionally, restrictions on road over bridges (ROBs) limit crossings to 100 people at a time, with no halting or loudspeakers allowed.