What Security Measures Are Implemented for Ganesh Nimajjanam in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad, Sep 5 (NationPress) Extensive security measures have been established for the Ganesh Nimajjanam, also referred to as Ganesh Visarjan, taking place in Hyderabad on Saturday. Approximately 30,000 police personnel have been assigned to ensure the festive event proceeds smoothly and peacefully.

Countless idols are set to be immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake, located in the city's center, along with various lakes and artificial ponds across the area.

Authorities have arranged cranes around Hussain Sagar to facilitate the immersion of idols transported from multiple locations within the city.

Millions of devotees partake in the annual Shoba Yatra, a procession that effectively brings the city to a standstill, symbolizing the conclusion of the 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration.

Traffic restrictions have been enacted within all three police commissionerates (Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda) to guarantee the festivities are conducted without incident.

The primary procession commences at Katta Maisamma temple in Balapur and makes its way to Hussain Sagar, passing through the historically sensitive old city and Central Hyderabad.

Police will maintain a vigilant presence at the significant Mecca Masjid near Charminar to avert any potential disturbances.

Several smaller processions will merge with the main one, which is anticipated to be the largest gathering for idol immersion after Mumbai.

The government has announced a general holiday for all government offices and educational institutions in the vicinity of Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's planned attendance at the main procession has been canceled due to his commitments in Delhi regarding the Vice-Presidential election.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand, along with other senior officials, will oversee the procession from the Integrated Command Control Centre.

Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring the successful completion of the Khairatabad and Balapur Ganesh processions.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has made arrangements for idol immersion across 20 major lakes in Greater Hyderabad, as well as 72 designated artificial ponds.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan stated that 134 permanent cranes and 259 mobile cranes have been strategically placed at various lakes. In addition, 56,187 temporary lights have been installed.

In collaboration with the Hyderabad Police and Tourism Department, nine boats, Disaster Response Force teams, and 200 trained swimmers have been deployed to Hussain Sagar. Thirteen control rooms have also been established.

Greater Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi reported that 1,500 sanitation workers are tirelessly working to clear debris from Hussain Sagar. She noted that around one lakh idols have already been immersed in the lake over the past three days.

A substantial number of vehicles transporting idols were observed lined up on roads leading to Hussain Sagar on Friday.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, overseeing Hyderabad's arrangements, conducted a review at Hussain Sagar on Friday alongside Greater Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi and Hyderabad Collector Harichandana, addressing security, electricity, sanitation, and water supply.

As the immersion continues, the minister instructed officials to expedite debris removal from the lake.

According to the minister, 1.80 lakh idols have been immersed in the lakes around Hyderabad in the last three days, with around 50,000 idols, mainly larger ones, expected to be immersed on the final day.

Police have mandated the closure of toddy and wine shops, including bars in restaurants (excluding those in star hotels and registered clubs) for 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. on September 6.

Traffic restrictions have been implemented along the route of the main procession from Balapur, as well as for processions originating from Secunderabad, East Zone, Uppal area, Dilsukhnagar, Tarnaka, Tolichowki, Rethi bowli, Mehdipatnam, Tappachabutra, and Asifnagar.

Movement of vehicles, other than those transporting Ganesh idols, will be restricted and redirected at numerous points along the main procession route, with barricades set up on all side roads and lanes leading to it.

Those traveling to or from the airport are advised to utilize the PVNR Express Way or Outer Ring Road.

The Hyderabad Police Commissioner has informed that devotees may also immerse idols at baby ponds, portable water tanks, and excavation ponds.