Drishti Marine on Tuesday announced deploying trained lifesavers at 47 visarjan points across the state to ensure the safety of worshippers during the annual Ganesh visarjan (immersion) ritual.
The 47 immersion points include 35 beaches and 12 inland locations with the lifeguards station on all designated visarjan days -- August 28, 31 and September 2, 4, 6 and 17 (21st day immersion) till late hours for safe practices during idol immersion.
“Lifesavers have been mandated to assist devotees at the designated immersion points known for stronger sea currents, including helping groups carry idols into the water where conditions may be unsafe for the public to enter. At the designated beaches and other immersion locations, our lifesaving teams will guide devotees through the immersion process while prioritising their safety. Since the beaches are still closed for regular sea access, we urge people to follow our lifesavers’ instructions. In situations where the sea is rough, our team members will step in and take the idol into deeper waters for immersion after the rituals are completed,” Navin Awasthi, CEO, Drishti Marine said.
The state government-appointed lifesaving agency has also advised the public to use only the main beach entry points where lifesavers will be posted for immersions. Families and groups are also requested to keep a close watch on children, especially after dark, regardless of how shallow the water may appear.
The agency has arranged standby lifesaver teams and support vehicles to respond immediately in case of emergencies.
The locations
Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, Arambol, Mandrem, Querim, Ashwem, Morjim, Baga, Sinquerim, Anjuna, Miramar, Siridao, Baina, Bogmalo, Hollant, Majorda, Utorda, Betalbatim, Benaulim, Galgibagh, Talpona, Varca, Zalor, Cavelossim, Mobor, Agonda, Palolem, Patnem, Rajbagh and Polem beaches.
Mapusa Tar, Parra-Verla pond, Aldona pond, Panaji ferry point, Vaddem lake, Morjim lake, Cumbarjua ferry point, Betim ferry point, Baina Kharewada, Benaulim lake, Panaji Four Pillar and Mapusa, near Green Park Lake.
