Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharati, on Friday evening, September 5, 2025, along with Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chowdhary and other senior officials, conducted a thorough on-ground review of security arrangements in Girgaon’s south Mumbai precinct – particularly around Chowpatty, a city known for its popular Ganesh immersion sites. The official circular is posted on X profile by Mumbai Police.
This proactive immersion came just prior to Anant Chaturdashi, the tenth and final day of the Ganesh festival, when lakhs of devotees flock to immersion spots like Girgaon Chowpatty across the city. Mid-day also reported this with recent photos on its site!
Scale of Deployment & Coordination
An enormous force was mobilized to ensure robust security and crowd control, which includes:
- 12 Additional Commissioners of Police
- 40 Deputy Commissioners
- 61 Assistant Commissioners
- Approximately 3,000 officers
- Around 18,000 constables
Multiple auxiliary units provided support, which includes:
- 14 companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF)
- 4 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
- Quick Response Teams (QRTs)
- Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS)
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was full of praise for the efforts taken by the police, who deployed 10,000 civic officials for managing the immersions. Infrastructure included 70 natural water bodies and 298 artificial ponds, with stress on encouraging the use of artificial immersion spots to reduce environmental impact on natural water bodies.
Technological Enhancements
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools were employed by Mumbai police in 2025 for real-time management and traffic updates- a modern approach to navigate the intense and labyrinthine traffic in South Mumbai during the festival.
The security grid across the city also featured:
- Drones for aerial crowd surveillance
- 10,000 CCTV cameras installed at key locations
Crowd density was monitored, anomalies were detected, and rapid responses were facilitated if needed by these measures.
Traffic Measures & Public Advisory
Coordinated traffic management was underscored by Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare. In view of severe congestion in areas like Girgaon, Gamdevi, Teen Batti, and surrounding routes, commuters were strongly advised to avoid these areas during immersion ritual periods unless necessary.
Context & Wider Security Scenario
In the wake of a serious bomb-related threat received via WhatsApp- the warning, allegedly from a Pakistan-based terror group, these concentrated efforts unfolded amidst heightened alert. It was discovered that 34 vehicles were loaded with purported human bombs and 400 kg of RDX, with the potential to kill “one crore people”. Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Crime Branch intensified vigilance and investigation along with Mumbai Police in the wake of these threats.
The preparations were escalated further by early September, when the city readied over 21,000 police personnel, AI tools, and drones to secure the Anant Chaturdashi immersions.
