Security across the city will be stepped up for Kaanum Pongal on January 17, with more than 16,000 police personnel and 1,500 Home Guards deployed, police sources said.
The arrangements come as Kaanum Pongal marks the final day of the four-day Pongal festival, when large crowds traditionally head out for sightseeing, especially to the city’s beaches and memorials.
Heavy police presence planned across beaches and memorials
Following instructions from Chennai City Police Commissioner A Arun, police personnel in uniform and plain clothes will be positioned across key public spaces. The focus will be on areas expected to see heavy footfall, including Marina Beach, where visitors from across Tamil Nadu are likely to gather.
Around 16,000 personnel drawn from the State police, city police and Home Guards will be on duty through the day. Officers will man the entire stretch of Kamarajar Salai along Marina Beach, particularly near the memorials of MGR, Jayalalithaa, Anna and Karunanidhi.
Police sources said all-terrain vehicles will be deployed at Marina Beach and Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach to patrol the beachfront. Temporary barricades are being installed, and mounted police will patrol the shoreline to stop people from entering the sea.
Sea bathing banned; rescue teams on standby
As part of safety measures, bathing in the sea will be banned on Kaanum Pongal. Caution boards warning visitors against entering the water will be placed along the coast.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services said more than 50 firemen from various stations will be deployed on city beaches. They will be equipped with life jackets and positioned as part of accident-prevention efforts.
Rescue teams will remain on standby in case people are caught by strong tides. Police sources added that teams of fishermen from nearby areas and about 100 trained swimmers will also be kept ready as lifeguards to handle emergencies.