20,000 police personnel, 10K CCTV cameras, 24 drones to be deployed across Hyderabad for Ganesh idol immersion - The HinduPublished - September 23, 2026 09:09 pm IST - HYDERABADHyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, Joint CP (Law and Order), Hyderabad Tafseer Iqbal and Joint CP (Traffic) D. Joel Davis addressing a press conference on Ganesh idol immersion, on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKURThe Hyderabad City Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the final Ganesh immersion procession scheduled for Friday, with nearly 20,000 personnel, more than 10,000 CCTV cameras and 24 drones deployed across the city.The arrangements have been made in view of the expected movement of lakhs of devotees and thousands of Ganesh idols from Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, Future City and neighbouring districts. Around 25 lakh devotees have so far visited the Khairatabad Ganesh while nearly 15 lakh have visited the Balapur Ganesh. The police said additional security measures had been put in place at both locations in anticipation of large crowds on the final day.Preparations for the immersion procession began nearly three months ago, with Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar holding coordination meetings with government departments, idol manufacturers, festival organisers and peace committees.An online portal was launched for processing the permissions for Ganesh pandals. Of the 15,426 applications received, 14,929 permissions were granted after physical verification. The approved pandals have been geo-tagged while bilingual posters carrying fire and electrical safety instructions have been installed, the police said. As of Wednesday, a total of 32,878 idols have been immersed across the city and surrounding areas, including 6,108 within Hyderabad city limits.The police have integrated more than 10,000 CCTV cameras along the major procession routes with the Telangana State Police Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC) in Banjara Hills. A total 24 drones and nearly 100 high-rise cameras will also monitor crowd movement, density and the procession.Police personnel equipped with binoculars and wireless communication systems have been positioned on rooftops along the major routes. Round-the-clock control rooms have been established at NTR Marg, People’s Plaza, Necklace Road and Moghalpura Sports Complex, with senior officials from different departments overseeing operations.Rescue boats and expert divers from the Indian Army and Tourism department have been stationed at major water bodies. Ambulances with paramedical staff, fire tenders, generators and watchtowers have also been deployed. Mechanics and backup drivers have been positioned at key junctions to deal with vehicle breakdowns during the procession.The police said around 20,000 personnel from the Law and Order, Traffic, Task Force, Special Branch, City Security Wing and City Armed Reserve units would be deployed. Another 8,142 personnel from other districts, organised into 42 platoons, have been allocated across seven security zones.Four companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in Charminar, Golconda, Rajendranagar and Shamshabad, while two companies of the Central Armed Reserve Force (CRPF) have been deployed in Khairatabad and Secunderabad. As many as 53 bomb detection teams have been conducting security checks, including at entry points, bus terminals, railway stations and shopping malls.The police have also prohibited DJ systems, sound mixers, high-decibel audio equipment and firecrackers during the procession, citing Supreme Court guidelines on noise pollution and public health. Officials warned that equipment would be seized and legal action initiated in case of violations.Published - September 23, 2026 09:09 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }