Use of state-of-the-art technology including geo tagging and data analytics, large numbers of CCTV cameras linked to the police command and control room, marked the massive Ganesh procession in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Tallest Ganesh idol of Khairatabad, measuring 57 feet was among the first to be immersed in the Hussain Sagar lake. The massive idol was brought in a huge procession from the Mandap to the lake on a special truck as thousands of people watched the procession. The biggest of the 38 cranes installed on the banks of the lake put the idol in the waters amid the chanting of hymns and slogans.
Earlier last evening Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was among the thousands who offered worship at the mandap. The Khairatabad Mandap-oldest in the city has agreed to instal an idol made of only mud next year.
The assurance came in response to the request of the governor ESl Narasimhan to avoid use of plaster of Paris in making idol as it was causing pollution in the lake.
Meanwhile the main procession starting from Balapur was moving slowly through the old city and was expected to reach the lake by late evening. Before starting the procession laddu of Balapur Ganesh was auctioned. Highest bidder Nagam Thirupati Reddy got it for Rs 16.5 lakhs.
The entire route of the procession and the areas surrounding the Hussain Sagar lake has turned into sea of humanity as the hundreds of thousands of people have turned out to celebrate the festival.
Hyderabad city police commissioner said that the immersion so far was smooth and peaceful. "The immersion of all the idols was expected to be over by Wednesday wee hours", he told the media.
To keep a close watch on the processions with thousands of idols coming from 9 different roads and measure how much time each idol was taking to reach the lake it was geo tagged. "This will help us in better planning in future", he said.
As part of the foolproof security arrangements on the lake police also installed a powerful camera covering a range of 5 kms. 27000 policemen and paramilitary personnel were on duty to
maintain peace.
Mahinder Reddy urged the people not to believe in rumours spread through social media or otherwise. "If you hear anything please alert the police. Stern action will be taken", he said.