The police have stepped up security on the Marina and Elliots beaches in view of Kaanum Pongal on Tuesday as they expect several thousand people to come there in tune with the trend every year.
More than 2,000 police personnel would be deployed on the beaches from Tuesday morning till evening to manage the crowd. “We have erected barricades at both the places to prevent people from entering the water. We have also posted 100 lifeguards, which include men from the local fishing hamlets,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (East) S.N. Seshasai. Temporary watchtowers with public address systems have been set up, he added.
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The police have announced certain changes in the vehicular movement on Kamarajar Salai and some other roads to ensure free movement of people on Tuesday. A press release said there would be no change in the traffic movement on Kamarajar Salai from War Memorial to Gandhi statue until the number of people increases and the carriageway is occupied by them.
In case more people gather near the Labour and Kannagi statues, the vehicles from Gandhi statue towards War Memorial will be diverted at Dr. R.K. Salai and need to take Royapettah High Road, Tower Clock, GP Road, Anna Salai, Muthusamy Bridge, Muthusamy Point and NFS Road for motorists to reach Rajaji Salai.
Vehicles from War memorial bound for Adyar would be diverted to take Flag Staff Road, Anna Salai, Pattulos Road, Royapettah High Road and R.K. Mutt Road.
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If the carriageway near Gandhi statue is occupied by pedestrians, vehicles coming from Adyar side should take Greenways point, RK Mutt Road, Mandaveli junction, Luz Corner, Royapettah High Road, GP Road, Anna Salai, Pallavan Salai, EVR Salai, South Mint Street, Evening Bazaar, NSC Bose Road to reach Rajaji Salai, the release said.