Public Works Department officials are wary about people climbing on the two check-dams constructed in close proximity to the venue where Lord Kallazhagar would enter into the Vaigai river.
The check dams located upstream and downstream of Albert Victor Bridge were constructed after the 2019 Chithirai festival. Due to COVID-19 lockdown, the festival was not held the last two years.
"This is the first time that the grand event of Lord Kallazhagar's entry into Vaigai will be held after the construction of the check dams," said a PWD engineer.
Stating that usually a huge crowd of devotees would congregate on the Vaigai riverbed and also on the roads on both banks, he said that the size of the crowd is expected to swell this year as all were eager to take part in the annual event.
The devotees, especially the youth, might climb up the checkdams to have a better view of the event. Besides, most of them would try to have fun by jumping into the river as it would have water during the festival.
Unaware of the high velocity of current downstream the shutters of the check-dams, the devotees might enter the water which could pull them down causing injuries.
Besides, diving into the shallow water or an accidental fall on other side of the check-dam might turn dangerous.
As a precautionary measure, the PWD has sought police protection to keep the devotees away from the check-dams. PWD would also deploy its workers to prevent the devotees from climbing up the wall of the check-dams.
