Officials are gearing up to manage larger crowds of devotees expected to visit Kancheepuram to get darshan of Athi Varadar at the Sri Devarajaswamy temple from August 1, as the fig wood idol will be on display in a standing position from that date.
A senior official privy to the arrangements being made in Kancheepuram said that 30% of the visitors were elderly persons, who required assistance. Hence, additional efforts were being made to assist them.
Police personnel have been advised to keep an eye on people in the queue showing signs of weakness or giddiness. “When such people are spotted, the police personnel will provide them with water and oral rehydration salts (ORS) to help them,” he said.
CCTVs are being used to spot people in need of assistance. “We expect larger crowds from August 1 as the idol will be kept in standing position from that date. Specific inputs have been given to the police deployed near the queues,” another official said. The personnel have also been advised to provide water and ORS to people coming back after darshan , he said.
More facilities
The Kancheepuram district administration has created additional facilities for devotees visiting the festival.
Addressing a press meet on Sunday, District Collector P. Poniah said 1,200 additional conservancy staff have been pressed into service.
For the convenience of devotees, 121 additional toilets, more two-wheeler parking lots and more food distribution points have been arranged, he added.
