Mumbai is gearing up for Anant Chaturdashi, marking the culmination of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, with an unprecedented security and traffic management plan. The Mumbai Police are deploying a significant number of personnel, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for route management, and implementing comprehensive surveillance measures to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the idol immersion process.

More than 21,000 police personnel will be on duty to maintain law and order during the Ganesh Visarjan. This deployment includes 12 Additional Commissioners of Police, 40 Deputy Commissioners, 61 Assistant Commissioners, 3,000 officers, and 18,000 constables. Additionally, specialized forces such as 14 companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), 4 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), Riot Control squads, Quick Response Teams (QRT), and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) will be strategically stationed across the city.

For the first time, Mumbai Police will deploy AI technology during this year's Anant Chaturdashi Ganesh immersion processions to manage the massive crowds and ensure smooth immersion operations. The AI will assist with real-time traffic management, optimizing immersion route flows and issuing alerts to prevent congestion. The police will use artificial intelligence for route management and other traffic-related updates. AI-powered monitoring systems will be deployed to track crowd density and manage real-time law and order situations.

The city is preparing for the immersion of approximately 6,500 community Ganesh idols and an estimated 1.5 to 1.75 lakh household idols. These immersions will take place at 65 natural immersion sites and 205 artificial ponds created by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BMC is working with the police to ensure safety, and lifeguards will be stationed at immersion sites.

To enhance surveillance, 10,000 CCTV cameras have been installed throughout Mumbai, with additional cameras along procession routes and major immersion sites. Drone surveillance will monitor crowd movement at key locations. However, the use of unauthorized private drones is strictly prohibited.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Anil Kumbhare, has outlined traffic management plans to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Traffic police will be deployed to manage traffic and diversions will be in place on key routes. Changes have been made to traffic routes at Girgaon Chowpatty, Dadar Chowpatty, and Juhu beach.

In light of a recent bomb threat, security measures have been heightened across the city. The Mumbai Police are investigating a WhatsApp message claiming the presence of "human bombs" and the infiltration of Pakistani terrorists.

The police have issued prohibitory orders against photographing immersed idols for social media and flying drones in restricted areas. Women's safety is a priority, with female officers in uniform and plain clothes stationed at roads and immersion sites. The public can seek assistance via the Police Control Room at 112.