NDTV

Mumbai, Dec 6: There is a huge security build-up in Mumbai on the eve of the 50th death anniversary of Dalit leader Babasaheb Ambedkar.

His followers are expected to turn out in huge numbers at his cremation ground in Dadar on Wednesday.

Extensive security measures come in the wake of widespread protests by the Dalits last week and the anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition also falls on Wednesday.

Riot control police, the Rapid Action Force and paramilitary forces have been deployed.

"As every year we have taken additional precautions in handling the crowd, but with the recent incidents we have asked for additional forces," Joint Commissioner of Police Arup Patnaik said.

Traffic chaos

Schools and colleges in Mumbai decided to close on Wednesday after widespread traffic chaos was witnessed on Tuesday.

Many routes in Dadar, the heart of the city were closed to allow nearly 20 lakhs of followers to make their way to Chaitya Bhoomi, the memorial site of Dr Ambedkar.

"The whole route was blocked," said a commuter. "Usually I take an hour but today it took much longer."

"The road is entirely blocked. This is a problem every year. The whole area gets polluted. Its very noisy," another commuter said.

The organiser of Ambedkar Chaityabhoomi Samadhi said, "this is a special occasion. It is not only Dr Ambedkar's 50th death anniversary, it was also on this date that he converted to Buddhism and its also 2500 years since Buddhism started," said

Extensive preparations

From December 5, 22 CCTVs will be installed all around Shivaji Park. Six watch towers will also have CCTVs for an aerial view of the surroundings.

Two fully equipped control rooms will be set up inside Shivaji Park to monitor areas in and around the Park.

Eight large screens will be put up within the Park for live video transmissions from Chaitya Bhoomi.

BMC has divided the Shivaji Park and adjoining areas into nine zones. Shivaji Park itself is internally divided into four zones.

The other five zones include the Veer Savarkar Marg, Senapati Bapat Marg, MB Road, Kedulkar Chowk and Shivaji Park moving population area.