In an effort to address instances of protests and suicide attempts by individuals visiting the secretariat, the Maharashtra government has introduced a new set of regulations for visitors. To enter Mantralaya, individuals will be required to schedule an appointment through the web portal or mobile application.
Reserved time slots will be allocated, and visitors will only be permitted to access designated areas within Mantralaya. Access to other departments or floors inside the building will not be permitted. The issued passes will incorporate color codes to ensure individuals do not venture into unauthorized areas. Stringent security measures, tagging, and inspections will be enforced.
Official data indicates that the average number of visitors to Mantralaya is approximately 3,500, and this figure can rise to 5,000 on cabinet meeting days.
Following a series of incidents where people attempted to jump from higher floors, a substantial safety net was installed on the second floor of Mantralaya. However, this did not deter individuals from climbing onto the net during protests. Just last month, a group of farmers from Vidarbha jumped onto the safety net at Mantralaya while demanding compensation for their land acquired for an irrigation project.
The state government has stated that the large number of visitors disrupts the daily administrative operations at Mantralaya.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police responsible for Mantralaya security has been instructed to submit a report within a month outlining the daily visitor limits.
The order stipulates that an annual contract will be awarded for maintenance, as the government observed damage to the existing security drone system.
A modern visitor plaza will be constructed near Mantralaya's Garden Gate, equipped with a pass counter, waiting area, luggage lockers, and scanners, among other facilities.
The government directive also calls for the installation of invisible steel ropes in open spaces within corridors and windows. Additionally, visitors will not be allowed to carry more than Rs 10,000 in cash when entering the premises.
The order mandates that all correspondence to the relevant department must now be submitted through a centralized system.
The implementation of these measures will be carried out in phases. External food will be prohibited, and access to the building's terrace will be restricted. Proper checks and entry permissions will be enforced for construction work, and pets will not be permitted inside.
