Mumbai Police Go High-Tech for Ganesh Visarjan

As Mumbai prepares to bid farewell to Lord Ganesha on Anant Chaturdashi, the city’s police force has rolled out its most elaborate security plan to date. With more than 1.75 lakh household idols and 6,500 community idols set to be immersed across beaches, lakes, and specially built ponds, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the festival concludes peacefully.

This year, the Mumbai Police are not only relying on manpower but also artificial intelligence and drone technology to keep a close watch on the sprawling crowds and manage the city’s notoriously congested traffic.

Manpower at Unprecedented Scale

The police deployment itself is staggering. According to officials, more than 21,000 personnel will be on duty during the day-long festivities. The force will be led by:

• 12 Additional Commissioners of Police
• 40 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)
• 61 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs)
• 3,000 police officers and 18,000 constables
   

To strengthen the ground force, Mumbai Police will also be backed by 14 units of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and four companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). In addition, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) will be strategically stationed at sensitive locations.
 

AI for Smarter Traffic Management

For the first time, AI-based systems will be deployed to monitor real-time traffic during visarjan processions. These tools will:

• Analyse congestion patterns on major routes
• Suggest alternate diversions to officers instantly
• Issue alerts to prevent bottlenecks before they spiral out of control
   

Given the sheer number of processions moving toward immersion points, this AI-driven approach is expected to ease traffic flow and reduce delays for participants and commuters alike.
 

Drones and CCTV to Monitor the Crowds

Crowd management remains one of the biggest challenges during Ganesh visarjan. To tackle this, authorities have activated:

• 10,000 CCTV cameras across key locations in the city
• Drone surveillance at immersion sites to track crowd movement and spot potential trouble spots
   

Importantly, private drones have been strictly prohibited to prevent any interference with official monitoring.

At immersion spots along Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, Powai Lake, and other major water bodies, lifeguards and disaster response teams will also be on standby.
 

Partnership with BMC

The Mumbai Police’s elaborate security plan is being carried out in close coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body has created 205 artificial ponds across neighbourhoods, allowing devotees to perform immersions without overcrowding natural water bodies.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Satyanarayan Choudhary noted that the collaboration ensures not just security but also safety for devotees. From barricading routes to stationing medical aid units, the preparedness reflects a whole-of-city approach.

Smooth Traffic for a City on the Move

Traffic police will play a pivotal role in keeping Mumbai’s busy roads functional. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare confirmed that special teams will be deployed to regulate vehicle movement, implement diversions, and assist in emergency evacuations if needed.

Despite the festive rush, efforts are being made to ensure that ambulances, essential services, and public transport can move without major disruption.

Conclusion: A Blend of Tradition and Technology

Ganesh visarjan is not only a cultural and religious spectacle but also one of Mumbai’s most complex logistical events. By combining traditional policing with modern tools like AI and drones, the city is attempting to strike a balance between devotion and discipline.

As thousands of idols make their way through Mumbai’s streets toward their final immersion, the city will once again showcase its resilience, unity, and ability to adapt tradition to modern times.