20 November,2023 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police traced as many as 164 children in 12 hours after they went missing from various sea-fronts in the city during Chhath Puja celebrations, an official said on Monday, reported the PTI.
The official said, the missing children were reunited with their family members.
The children, in the age group of 3 to 13 years, reportedly went missing from beaches in Juhu and Versova and in suburban Santacruz as devotees started gathering at these spots from Sunday evening till Monday dawn, as per the PTI.
Many residents of Mumbai and those from extended suburbs in Thane and Palghar districts gathered at the sea-fronts to perform rituals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.
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"More than 3.5 lakh devotees attended Chhath puja events in Juhu, Versova, and Santacruz," the official said.
He said police had made necessary arrangements to ensure that no untoward incident occurred during celebrations.
At least 500 police constables and 125 officers were deployed for the security of devotees, he said, adding that traffic police ensured a smooth flow of vehicles.
The police control room received information about 88 children going missing in Santacruz, 75 in Juhu and one from Sagar Kutir at Versova beach, the official said.
"All the 164 missing children were traced and brought to local control rooms, set up temporarily. These children were reunited with their family members after their identity was established," he added.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Chhath Puja in Mumbai, the Mumbai Police had also issued traffic restrictions in western suburbs of the city.
Mumbai Police on Saturday issued vehicle parking restrictions for citizens ahead of the Chhath Puja in Juhu area of Mumbai on November 19.
In a traffic notification Mumbai Police had said, "The Chhath Puja 2023 will be celebrated from 14.00 hrs. on 19/11/2023 up to 11.00 hrs. on 20/11/2023. About 4 to 5 lakh devotees are expected to congregate at Juhu beach for performing Chhath Puja."
The police had said, There will be heavy pedestrian crossing as well as movement of auto rickshaws and other vehicles in large number on Juhu Tara Road, Juhu Road, V.M. Road and Birla Lane. Hence, traffic will be slow on above mentioned roads during these hours. Therefore, people are requested to use S.V. Road and Western Express Highway as alternative route to avoid delay and inconvenience.
(with PTI inputs)
