Massive security measures for Kaanum Pongal celebrations

As the Kaanum Pongal festival approaches on January 17, the Chennai city police have laid out extensive security arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth celebration of the occasion. With an anticipated influx of people at popular public spots like Marina Beach, the police have deployed a staggering 15,000 personnel on duty, highlighting the scale of their commitment to public safety.The police have strategically stationed 1,500 home guards personnel, particularly focusing on public places like Marina Beach, which is expected to witness large gatherings on the final day of the Pongal festival.To manage the crowd effectively, three temporary mini-control rooms have been established from the Labour Statue to the Gandhi statue at Marina Beach. Police assistance booths have also been set up at the entrances of seven service roads to ensure easy access and guidance for the public.To enhance safety measures, 13 temporary police watch towers will be erected along the stretch from Labour Statue to Lighthouse, with three police personnel stationed in each tower. These towers equipped with binoculars will enable vigilant monitoring of the area, allowing authorities to issue instructions through megaphones and provide immediate information to the control room.Marina Beach will also witness mechanized boats with 200 volunteers on standby for potential rescue operations. The police have further reinforced security by installing CCTV cameras at 12 crucial junctions, monitored through a temporary control room. As a precautionary measure, temporary fencing will be erected along the coast, restricting public access to the sea for bathing during the festival.Greater Chennai Police, along with the anti-drowning team of the Coastal Security Group, will closely monitor coastal areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Similar meticulous arrangements have been made at Elliot’s Beach,