The Mumbai Police have increased the level of security measures in some of the busiest markets of Mumbai in anticipation of the expected influx of customers over the weekend. Thousands of customers are expected in some of the busiest areas of Mumbai, including Crawford Market, Dadar, Linking Road, Colaba Causeway, as well as some of the busiest roads in the suburbs.
Senior government officials within the Mumbai Police have confirmed that more policemen have been deployed at areas with high human traffic, especially during the evening shopping hours. Such areas include foot patrols, mobile patrols, and rapid response teams placed near the respective regions. This initiative has been taken at a time when the cops are adopting measures of preventive security.
The police presence has also been strengthened not only at the markets but also on the road networks that lead to these markets. The police are vigilantly overseeing pedestrian activity to prevent congestion and stampede formation, especially in the small lanes and old market areas. Barrier wires have also been installed at strategic locations to manage traffic and ensure smooth pedestrian flow.
Surveillance is also improved with the monitoring of the CCTV cameras that have been installed in all major shopping centers. The control room is monitoring the situation closely for any signs of suspect activity that would prompt them to take action. Cloak-and-dagger police officers are also operating among the crowds to keep tabs on pickpocketing, chain snatching, or other types of street crimes that are prone to happen during peak shopping occasions.
The officials of the Mumbai Police said that extra caution is also being exercised for women’s safety. “Special teams have been formed for places with heavy footfall of women, and help desks and helpline numbers are being installed prominently,” said the official, adding that stricter action is also being taken against cases of harassment and eve-teasing.
Another important area of emphasis is the traffic management that will be done during the weekend rush. The traffic police are working in collaboration with the police stations in the areas where traffic congestion is expected around markets, malls, and eating joints. Parking offenses, illegal vehicle halting, and encroachment upon roads will be addressed seriously to allow free flow of traffic. The diversion routes will be put in place where traffic congestion is expected.
The police have also worked in cooperation with the civic body and market associations for better crowd control. The market owners and vendors have been encouraged to maintain the paths clear and not encroach on roads and footpaths illegally. The fire safety inspections have been performed in older market places to minimize dangers from crowded and electrical sources.
The need for the security, according to the authorities, was for the sake of providing a safe and convenient shopping experience for citizens. According to a senior police officer, the government’s plan was not to inconvenience citizens but ensure that they shop peacefully without any fear. Citizens were urged to cooperate with the security plan by avoiding carrying any valuable items and being alert while walking through crowded places.
The Mumbai Police have also urged citizens to be alert and report any suspicious activity or unattended objects to the police at any time. The number for the emergency helplines or the police control room is operational at all times. Even as the city is gearing up for yet another crowded weekend, security forces are confident that the upgraded security system is going to help them keep everything in order. It is expected that Mumbai will work as one to make sure that their markets stay safe, secure, and vigilant.
