No SMS, web services in Godhra on immersion day

VADODARA: In an unprecedented move, the Panchmahal district administration has ordered that all cellular service providers should discontinue mobile internet services on Wednesday when Ganpati idols will be immersed at Godhra and other places in the Panchmahal district. Other elaborate security arrangements have also been made for the immersion day.
A notification issued by the Panchmahal district collector banned the services as messaging services used over mobile internet connections could spread rumours on the immersion day. In previous years, SMS services have been banned as rumours often spread through text messages. The notification has, however, excluded internet and broadband services offered through landline connections.
The district police will be installing 16 CCTV cameras on the route of the Ganpati immersion processions and will monitor proceedings. Thirty video cameramen will also record the entire process. Policemen on horseback have also been deployed for duties during the procession.
Sources said that special inspector general of police (Vadodara Range), two superintendents of police, 12 deputy superintendents of police, 40 police inspectors, 152 police sub-inspectors and 978 other police personnel will be deployed for duty on the day besides 673 home guards. Two companies of the Rapid Action Force and five companies of Sate Reserve Police have also been roped in for the immersion day. The police will also use 30 high rise points on the route of the immersion procession and keep vigil using binoculars.
Traditionally, the procession begins from the Vishwakarma Chowk in the town and passes through several sensitive areas like Polan Bazaar and Rani Masjid. The idols are immersed at Ramsagar pond in the town.