Special arrangements have been made in and around the premises of the Our Lady of Good Health Basilica in Velankanni for the annual feast that begins on Saturday.
The district administration, in coordination with the police and church authorities, has identified 55 places for putting up surveillance cameras. While 34 cameras are sponsored by the church, the remaining 21 have been set up by the district administration.
The cameras have been set up at the entrance to “Way of the Cross”, Assisi Lodge area, near Dolor Church, bus stand, and the beach area.
“A large congregation of pilgrims from different parts will arrive at Velankanni during this annual feast. We have ensured precautionary measures for their safety at the sea-shore by setting up surveillance cameras,” says Fr. S. Arockiasundaram, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni.
Highlights
*55 surveillance cameras to be set up at various places |
*33 cameras are being sponsored by the church |
*100 additional toilets to be thrown open during the festival |
*300 sanitary workers have been deployed to keep the place clean |
*Hygiene and sanitation will be given priority |
*Special team of divers to keep an eye on the beach |
Mostly, it is those who are not familiar with swimming, bath in the sea waters. “The church authorities will deploy special monitoring team of divers who will keep an eye on the movements of the swimmers all around,” he said.
This apart, the church management has made adequate arrangements for supplying drinking water round-the-clock at six places. The facility was available at Our Lady’s Tank area, St. Mary’s parking place, auditorium, and Morning Star church area besides railway station.
Health and hygiene is one of the primary agenda for the arrangements of the annual feast. Open defecation will be prevented as special arrangements have been made for building temporary toilets. In addition to the existing toilets, an additional 100 toilets would be thrown open to the members of the public from the start of the feast. As many as 300 sanitary workers have been drafted for duty to keep the area clean and tidy.
The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and private mobile service providers have set up additional towers for ensuring smooth communication, he said.
All these facilities would be in addition to the arrangements made by the district administration and the police personnel.
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