MUMBAI, INDIA, August 23, 2006: Mumbai, on high alert after the July 11 train bombings, is now preparing for its biggest festivities, the 10-day long Ganesha festival. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Police and the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Coordination Committee (SGMCC) have come together to put into place a special security package for the tens of thousands of temporary temples called “marquees” that come up all over the city. “This year we are taking more precautions in view of the 11/7 bomb blasts. Of the 10,228 public marquees, some 100 are very popular and attract huge crowds. We have recommended metal detectors and close-circuit TV cameras to be installed at the entrances,” said Mumbai police commissioner A.N. Roy.
“To avert any possible terror strikes at the marquees, the BMC, SGMCC and the police have set up new rules this year. Visitors will have to go empty-handed. Even women devotees will not be allowed to carry purses,” said SGMCC president Pandurang Jadhav. “Also garlands to be offered to the Deities will undergo thorough checks. Devotees offering prasad will have to taste them in the presence of security personnel,” said Jadhav. Ganesha festival committees have been asked to submit detailed information of all volunteers to be engaged during the festival. “Each committee will have at least 20 volunteers, whose credentials would be verified by the local police stations,” said Roy. “We are also considering installing closed-circuit TV cameras at Dadar, Juhu, Girgaun and other beaches on September 6, the immersion day. Besides, zonal deputy commissioners of police will monitor security arrangements,” he added.