Chennai: As the Tamilnadu government has banned New Year revelry in the entire beach stretch in view of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid, about 10,000 police personnel would be deployed on security duty from today evening.
While advising people not to come to beach for new year celebrations citing the virus spread, the police warned of strict action against those trying to enter the beach front. Police also warned that drunken drivers will be arrested.
Movement of vehicles, except for emergency services, will not be permitted on city roads from today midnight till 5.00 a.m on New Year day, the Greater Chennai City Police announced.
In a statement, Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal said ‘Taking into account the prevailing pandemic situation and after extensive discussions, it was decided that except for essential services, all other vehicular movements will not be allowed from midnight of 31 December till 5 a.m on the New Year day.’
The city police has instructed the people not to congregate on the beach stretches coming in Greater Chennai Police limits including at Marina, Besant Nagar Elliots and on the East Coast Road (ECR).
Vehicles will not be allowed on Kamarajar Salai between the stretch from Gandhi Statue to War Memorial and Besant Nagar Elliots Beach from 9 pm.
Police have also barred crowded New Year celebrations at resorts, farm houses, convention centres and clubs.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) C.Sylendra Babu warned that people found driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol would be arrested and their vehicles seized. He said vehicle checks would be intensified from today evening.
He also said appropriate action would be taken against those indulging in indecent acts or in illegal bike racing.