The city will come under an extensive security blanket on Thursday, as thousands are expected to throng different of parts of Chennai to celebrate Kanum Pongal.
Over 10,000 police personnel have been posted to monitor crowds at various points of congregation.
According to the police, nearly 4,000 police personnel will be deployed at Marina and Elliot’s beaches alone, where a large, lively crowd is expected to gather from 9 a.m. onwards.
“A total of 15 police booths have been installed at the beaches where families with children will gather in large numbers. The booths, equipped with public address systems, are for the assistance of families, and to help reunite children — who get separated in the crowds — with their parents,” said an officer in-charge.
Vehicles with public address systems will also be part of the security arrangements, he said.
Wooden barricades have been erected along the coast at both Marina and Elliot’s to prevent revellers from entering the sea.
The city police’s mounted branch will also be combing the sands and volunteers have been roped in to assistant them.
Island Grounds, where a trade fair is underway, malls, cinema halls, parks, places of worship and other places of congregation will also witness police presence from early morning until 10 p.m.
Intensive vehicle checks will also be carried out to prevent rash and drunken driving on the last day of the festival, officials said.
