Collector S. Natarajan said that uninterrupted bus facilities would be provided in the district for Chithirai festival as well as Lok Sabha elections on April 18.
The Collector, Commissioner of Police S. Davidson Devasirvatham, Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan, Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Arun Balagopalan, Corporation Commissioner S. Visakan and officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments and Revenue departments took part in a closed-door meeting to review the arrangements for the festival.
Speaking to media persons, the Collector said, “The sanctity of the temple festival and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the election are the two main aims”.
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On April 18, when the temple car festival and the ethir sevai will be conducted, the district administration will ensure that generators are placed in areas where there is power shutdown. “As soon as the temple car passes, a TANGEDCO team will ensure that power is restored,” he said.
The Collector added that police officials from different parts of the State will be deployed to ensure smooth movement of traffic.
He said that water would be available in the Vaigai for Lord Kallazhagar’s entry about eight hours prior to the event on April 19. He said that special arrangements would be made this year too for the differently abled to get a clear view of the entry on AV Bridge.
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“The works relating to the construction of the two check dams inside the Vaigai will be completed prior to the entry. The Corporation has been instructed to ensure that the stage where Lord Kallazhagar will enter is solid. The police will also ensure that there are double barricades to ensure that there is protection.” he said.
The HR and CE departments of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple and Alagar Koil said that adequate water facilities will be provided to all devotees. Meenakshi temple Joint Commissioner N. Natarajan in a press release said that 3,200 persons will receive free entry to watch the celestial wedding on April 17 on first-come-first-served basis.
For the benefit of the devotees, pandals would be erected on the South and East Chithirai Streets as well as the North and West Aadi Streets.
The press release also said that 2,300 members with ₹ 500 tickets, 3,200 members with ₹ 200 tickets can enter the temple premises from various points. A total of 20 LED screens will telecast the holy event. There will be enough mobile toilets and civic facilities at the car festival the following day, the release said.
The Alagarkoil administration too said that watchtowers had been placed, special traffic arrangements made and lighting provided for the Ethir Sevai and Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the river.
The Thenur Mandapam has been renovated for a total of ₹ 40 lakh and a total of 442 mandagapadis until this day have been approved. LED screens will be placed to ensure devotees witness Lord Kallazhagar’s entry.