Hyderabad: Police deployed around 20,000 personnel for Ganesh immersion security ahead of the September 25 procession. They also activated more than 10,000 CCTV cameras and deployed 24 drones.
Police expected lakhs of devotees and thousands of idols to join the final procession. The procession covered Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, Future City and neighbouring districts.
Police coordinated arrangements with the GHMC and other government departments. Electricity, water, transport, fire and health departments joined the preparations.
Police said about 25 lakh devotees had already visited Khairatabad Bada Ganesh. Nearly 15 lakh people had also offered prayers at Balapur Ganesh. Therefore, police increased security at both locations ahead of the final day.
Ganesh immersion security preparations began three months ago
Police began preparations three months before the procession. Officials inspected routes and carried out road repairs along the Balapur-Hussain Sagar route. Teams also adjusted electricity lines and pruned trees along the procession route. Meanwhile, police processed 15,426 applications seeking permission for Ganesh pandals.
Authorities approved 14,929 applications after field verification and geotagged the approved pandals. Police said devotees had already immersed more than 32,878 idols across various areas. The figure included 6,108 idols within Hyderabad city limits. In the previous 24 hours, devotees immersed 2,161 idols in the city, police said.
The Telangana State Police Integrated Command and Control Centre at Banjara Hills will monitor the procession. Police linked more than 10,000 CCTV cameras to the monitoring network. Teams will also use 24 drones and nearly 100 high-rise cameras. The equipment will help police monitor crowds and count idols.
Ganesh immersion security gets additional forces
Police divided the security arrangements into seven zones. They deployed 42 platoons comprising 8,142 personnel from other districts. Four Rapid Action Force companies and two CRPF companies joined security operations at sensitive locations. Moreover, 53 bomb detection teams conducted sweeps at strategic points.
Police positioned expert divers and rescue boats at key immersion locations. They also placed ambulances, fire tenders, generators and watchtowers at important points. Mechanical support teams remained available to handle emergencies during the procession.
Police banned DJs, sound mixers, high-decibel audio equipment and firecrackers during the procession. Officials warned that they would seize equipment and take legal action against violators.
SHE Teams step up Ganesh immersion security
Twenty-six SHE Teams worked in three shifts to protect women and girls at crowded locations. Since September 14, the teams apprehended 1,172 people for alleged indecent behaviour. Police said the figure included 51 minors.
Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar appealed to citizens to cooperate with police and maintain restraint. He asked devotees to celebrate the immersion peacefully. Sajjanar also warned against hate speech, rumours, inflammatory social-media posts and misconduct during the festivities.
In addition, he advised citizens to follow traffic advisories during the procession. Police asked organisers to use experienced drivers and conduct route surveys. Officials also urged organisers to follow safety and hygiene precautions while distributing prasadam.