Following a string of drownings, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) intends to bolster security and surveillance at Mumbai’s Juhu and Versova Beaches. For an estimated cost of Rs. 8.16 crore ($1.2 million), the BMC will issue tenders for watchtowers, surveillance motorboats, remote-controlled water rescue stretchers beds, water drones, jet skis, and contractual lifeguards. The goal is to use technology to increase beach security and safety while reducing drownings. On both beaches, the proposal calls for adding watchtowers, lifeguards, and emergency apparatus.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to boost monitoring and tighten up security in response to a string of drownings at Juhu and Versova beaches. An estimated 8.16 crore would be spent on watchtowers, surveillance boats, remote-controlled water rescue stretchers beds, jet skis, water drones, and contract lifeguards.
This happened following the tragedy on June 12 in Juhu Koliwada where four lads, ages 12 to 16, drowned while sitting on the edge of the jetty. In another incident on July 7, a police officer at the Juhu Koliwada landing site saved two little youngsters. In addition, these two beaches see a large influx of tourists and devotees during Chhath puja and Ganesh idol immersions.
According to Prithviraj Chauhan, assistant commissioner for the K west ward, “The BMC will enhance safety and security at Juhu and Versova beaches to prevent drowning and make it foolproof with the help of technology.”
In addition to 32 contracted lifeguards for both beaches who will work in two shifts, the proposal calls for more watchtowers, remote-controlled water rescue stretcher beds, surveillance motorboats, jet skis, and water drones.
At Juhu Beach, there are now three BMC lifeguards and twenty contracted lifeguards on duty in two shifts. Additionally, two first-aid kits come with two rescue/saver boards. At Versova Beach, a rescue tube, a rescue/saver board, and a first aid kit are provided along with two BMC lifeguards and 12 contracted lifeguards working in two shifts.
Ameet Satam, an MLA, initially suggested the notion of employing technology to increase beach safety last month.
The BMC stated in their recommendation that it was essential to prioritise public safety due to the enormous number of people who frequent these beaches during holidays, Ganesh immersion, and Chhath puja. To protect the lives of tourists, visitors, and locals, the K west ward office has recommended upgrading existing facilities, services, and quick response mechanisms in accordance with international standards.
The watchtowers will have a public shower facility, which will be included in a thorough design created by a consultant. After examining the current beach conditions and any necessary equipment, such as jet skis, water rescue stretchers, water drones, and surveillance motorboats, the draught tender will be finalised and further prepared.
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