In a proactive move to maintain order and safety within the Mantralaya complex, the Maharashtra government has introduced a comprehensive set of measures. Among these, the issuance of color-coded and RFID passes, along with the pre-booking of time slots for appointments, stands out as a key strategy. This initiative aims to restrict entry and curb incidents such as protests and suicide attempts by visitors at the state secretariat.
A detailed order issued by the Maharashtra home department outlines the specifics of these new regulations. Under the new system, individuals visiting Mantralaya will be granted access only to the departments or floors mentioned in their entry passes. This measure seeks to address the challenges posed by the influx of visitors, which typically hovers around 3,500 but can surge to 5,000 on days of cabinet meetings, according to official statistics.
Prior attempts to enhance safety at Mantralaya included the installation of safety nets on the second floor to prevent individuals from jumping from higher floors. However, these measures proved insufficient as people resorted to climbing on the nets during protests. Notably, recent incidents included a group of Vidarbha farmers who leaped onto the safety net while demanding compensation for land acquired for an irrigation project.
The government’s order highlights that the substantial number of visitors hampers daily administrative operations at Mantralaya. Consequently, the deputy commissioner of police responsible for Mantralaya security has been instructed to submit a report within a month, outlining the permissible daily visitor count.
The order further underscores plans to issue an annual contract for maintenance, as the existing drone system employed for security has experienced damage. Additionally, a modern plaza for visitors will be constructed near Mantralaya’s Garden Gate, featuring amenities such as a pass counter, waiting room, bag lockers, and scanners.
To enhance safety, invisible steel ropes will be installed in open spaces within corridors and windows.