Women’s ability to identify risks is important for community safety — Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar

Vigilance Committees should remain prepared for women’s safety during the festive season — Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe

Mumbai, Aug 2025: Under the initiative of Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, a special workshop on “Women’s Safety, Law and Order during the Festive Season, and Disaster Management in the City” was organized in Mumbai. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Adv. Rahul Narwekar attended the workshop as the chief guest. Mumbai Police, the Disaster Management Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and Women’s Vigilance Committees participated actively in the event.

Dr. Neelam Gorhe said during the workshop that maintaining law and order during the festive season, ensuring women’s safety during natural disasters or in crowded places, is a primary responsibility. She urged Women’s Vigilance Committees to work actively in coordination with local police stations, beat constables, and social organizations. She emphasized that while creating awareness about prevention of atrocities against women, gender equality, prevention of female foeticide, and domestic violence, it is also necessary to provide information on legal provisions.

Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar stated that women’s natural ability to identify risks is extremely valuable for community safety. This observational skill is not limited to the home but is also highly effective in public places, especially during festivals and crowded events. He said that increased participation of women in the work of administration, police systems, and voluntary organizations would make it easier to prevent crimes and avoid disasters. He called on Women’s Vigilance Committees to make special efforts to guide citizens to remain alert during Ganesh festival.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Phansare provided information about the mechanisms set up for women’s protection. He said that the Nirbhaya Squad, Women’s Help Desks, Special Juvenile Units, Mobile Forensic Units, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell would be used more actively during the festive period.

Senior Police Inspector Sachin Gawde of the Anti-Bomb Squad appealed to citizens to remain vigilant to identify suspicious activities in crowded places and during processions. He urged, “If you find any suspicious object, bag, or vehicle, immediately inform the police.”

Director of Disaster Management at BMC, Mahesh Narvekar, briefed about the disaster management systems in place for the Ganesh festival. Considering the monsoon and tidal conditions, the municipal corporation is prepared to deal with floods or other natural disasters. He appealed to citizens to use the 1916 helpline.

The program was anchored by Private Secretary Avinash Rankhamb, and Special Duty Officer Prashant Pisal proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop conveyed a strong message that women’s safety is not just the responsibility of the police or administration, but of every citizen.