Chennai police deploy 16,000 personnel and 1,500 Home Guards for Kaanum Pongal, focusing on Marina Beach and other public areas to ensure safe celebrations
Security Arrangements for Kaanum Pongal in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Police is preparing for Kaanum Pongal on January 17. They will deploy about 16,000 police personnel and nearly 1,500 Home Guards across the city to ensure safe celebrations.
Focus Areas for Security Measures
Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun stated that the security measures will focus on Marina Beach, Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach, and other major public gathering points where large crowds are expected.
Marina Beach Preparations
At Marina Beach, three temporary mini control rooms will be set up between the Labour Statue and the Lighthouse. Police assistance booths will be located at service road entry points. Eight ambulances, two fire service vehicles, motorboats, and over 200 trained volunteer swimmers will be on standby. Thirteen temporary surveillance towers, CCTV cameras, mounted police, and All-Terrain Vehicles will be used for crowd control and crime prevention. Sea bathing is prohibited, and an 85-member anti-drowning team will be deployed along the shore.
Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach Arrangements
At Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach, there will be a temporary control room, surveillance towers, mounted patrols, ambulances, a fire service vehicle, swimmers, and motorboats.
Child Safety Measures
To quickly trace missing children, police will issue wrist-ID bands with the child’s and parents’ details at assistance booths. Eight drone cameras will provide aerial surveillance at Marina and Besant Nagar beaches, and safety messages will be broadcast to the public.
Increased Security at Other Locations
Security has also been increased at Guindy Children’s Park, Island Grounds, Semmozhi Poonga, amusement parks, malls, and multiplexes. Special vehicle check teams will act against drunk driving and traffic violations.
Traffic Regulation Efforts
The Greater Chennai Traffic Police will deploy road safety patrols and monitoring teams at key stretches. These include Guindy, Adyar, Taramani, Neelankarai, Thoraipakkam, Maduravoyal Bypass Road, and GST Road to regulate traffic and prevent bike racing during the festivities.
Summary of Security Measures
| Location | Security Measures |
|---|---|
| Marina Beach | 3 control rooms, ambulances, fire vehicles, 200 swimmers, drones |
| Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach | Control room, ambulances, fire vehicle, swimmers, drones |
| Other Locations | Increased security at parks, malls, vehicle checks |
