In view of the Dussehra rallies and the grand immersion processions of goddess Durga idols scheduled for October 2, the Mumbai Police have announced a massive security deployment across the city. Over 16,500 constables and nearly 2,900 officers, supported by specialized units, will be on duty to ensure public safety and maintain law and order during the festivities.
The deployment includes personnel from the Quick Response Team (QRT), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), dog squads, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). Security operations will be overseen by seven Additional Commissioners, 26 Deputy Commissioners, and 52 Assistant Commissioners.
The heightened security measures respond to anticipated large crowds at political rallies and immersion processions. The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, will hold its annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde will conduct its rally at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon. This relocation is due to logistical considerations and crowd management requirements.
To manage the expected surge in traffic, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued advisories detailing road diversions and no-parking zones, particularly around Shivaji Park and the NESCO Centre. Motorists are urged to avoid these areas during peak hours and opt for alternate routes to reduce congestion.
Alongside conventional policing, the Mumbai Police have deployed “Durga Marshals,” a unit of female constables dedicated to ensuring safety during cultural events. These marshals have previously been credited with effective crowd management, including a recent incident in Nagpur where they rescued a missing three-year-old girl during Navkanya Puja.
The Mumbai Police have called upon citizens and visitors to cooperate with authorities, adhere to traffic advisories, and follow instructions during the rallies and immersion processions. Authorities emphasized that the coordinated security arrangements are designed to ensure that the celebrations proceed without incident.
With the convergence of Dussehra, Vijayadashami, Navratri, and Gandhi Jayanti this year, Mumbai is expected to witness a historic level of participation in the festivities. The city’s extensive security measures underline the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all residents and visitors.
