Kharghar gears up for Hind-Di-Chadar event, 20 lakh devotees expected

The NMMC and Panvel civic chiefs inspect the venue on Wednesday Pics/By Special Arrangement

Kharghar is set to witness one of the largest religious congregations in Navi Mumbai's recent history as the 350th Shaheedi Samagam (martyrdom commemoration) of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as Hind-Di-Chadar (Shield of India), will be held on February 28 and March 1 at Owe Ground, Sector 29. With an estimated footfall around 20 lakh devotees from across India and abroad, authorities have rolled out a multi-agency action plan to ensure smooth execution.

Civic machinery

On Wednesday, joint inspections were conducted by NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde and his Panvel counterpart Mangesh Chitale, along with senior civic engineers and nodal officers and Raigad district administration officials.

The Hind-Di-Chadar event venue at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai

Present along with the civic chiefs were Hind-Di-Chadar coordinators Ravindra Rathod and Happy Singh. NMMC in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Gurudwaras held the cultural programme at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha in Vashi.

Expected dignitaries

>> Union Home Minister Amit Shah
>> Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
>> Prime Minister Narendra Modi (likely to address event virtually)

Traffic measures

>> Heavy inflow of vehicles is expected from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.
>> Diversions on the Sion-Panvel Highway for heavy vehicles
>> Temporary restrictions near Kalamboli Circle and CBD Belapur junction
>> 1-2 km radius around venue marked as restricted vehicular zone
>> Dedicated parking grounds away from main venue
>> Special NMMT and MSRTC bus services
>> PMC has also developed a dedicated mobile app to guide visitors

Key areas reviewed

>> Main stage and VIP enclosure
>> Drinking water supply network
>> Sanitation blocks and mobile toilets
>> Langar (community kitchen) arrangements
>> Parking zones and helipad site
>> Medical infrastructure, including ICU units

Voices

Dr Kailas Shinde, NMMC Commissioner
‘This is not just a religious gathering but a message of national unity. We are ensuring 24x7 coordination so that no devotee faces inconvenience'

Mangesh Chitale, PMC commissioner
‘Given the scale of the event, inter-agency coordination is critical. State government, civic bodies and police are working in sync'

Milind Bharambe, police commissioner, Navi Mumbai
‘Nearly 20 lakh people are expected to turn up, we have implemented a multi-layer security plan focusing on crowd control, traffic regulation and VIP protection'

In numbers

3000 police personnel to be deployed

2000+ trained volunteers to be deployed

300+ CCTV cameras at venue

100 water tankers and ORS distribution counters

500 sanitation workers on duty

20 ambulances, including cardiac units

10 temporary health camp to be setup