Police security is likely to be strengthened at public places, including beaches, shopping malls and cinema halls this summer. The Fire Department is also geared up for the season with awareness programmes for slum dwellers.
Speaking to The Hindu , Chennai City Police Commissioner T. Rajendran said that patrolling would be intensified at the beaches, railway stations, Koyamedu bus terminus and places of worship.
“If need be, we will increase police strength at these places by withdrawing our personnel from non-essential areas,” he said.
According to sources with the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS), fire tenders with firemen have started going on rounds to different parts of the city which have a high concentration of thatched houses, from March 16.
In North Chennai, Moorthi Nagar, Bakthavatchalam Colony, Power Kuppam, Kasimedu, Fishing Harbour and Annai Sathya Nagar in Esplanade are being covered.
Settlements near New Avadi Road, Nerkundram, Bharati Nagar and MGR Nagar in Central Chennai and Srinivasapuram, Mullaimanagar, Nambikkai Nagar, Dooming Kuppam, Nocchi Kuppam, Thideer Nagar, Jyotiammal Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur Kuppam in South Chennai would have fire tenders stationed between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on daily basis during this summer season, TNFRS sources said.
A fire safety awareness campaign for the residents at the above locations is also being conducted by the personnel.
A fire audit by the TNFRS at shopping malls and cinema theatres to ensure that the fire safety guidelines are being followed is also in progress, sources said.
