16,000 cops to stay on alert today

Malls, cinema halls, beaches and other places where large crowds are expected will be covered by city police Photo: S.S. Kumar

While the city celebrates the festival of lights on Tuesday, over 16,000 police personnel will stand guard across all localities.

Special police teams have also been deployed, along with fire service personnel, to be on standby in places where large numbers are expected to gather, as well as in sensitive locations.

Malls, cinema halls, places of worship, beaches, bus terminuses and railway stations will be under the police scanner.

Thirty-two special teams are already in place in locations such as the shopping hub in T. Nagar, Marina beach and other key shopping malls. Close to 900 Home Guards have also been deputed.

Speaking to The Hindu , Commissioner of Police S. George said that teams have been mobilised throughout the city and will function in coordination with fire service personnel and Chennai Corporation staff. “Our traffic police teams will also be on duty to regulate bottlenecks,” he added.

Residents are advised to call the emergency number 100, to which several additional lines have been provided for easy access.

Fire service gears up

All 33 fire stations in the city have also geared up with firemen on standby and 64 fire tenders accompanied by 50 water lorries, kept ready for use. Eight motorcycles equipped with basic fire-fighting apparatus have also been stationed along with tenders in key locations such as Srinivasapuram, the Vadapalani signal, Island Grounds, Indira Nagar and areas like Flower Bazaar and Royapuram near hutments. Residents can contact emergency numbers 101 and 102 for assistance in case of a fire accident.