The police have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure a safe Kaanum Pongal on Thursday. A mix of technology and manpower will be utilised for surveillance.
Nearly 15,000 policemen, including those from the armed reserve, will be deployed across the city including beaches, the zoo and parks where people are expected to throng in large numbers. Drones are also going to be used in beaches to monitor the crowds.
The police have set up 17 watchtowers on Marina and Elliots beaches and policemen with binoculars and public address systems will man them.
“Control rooms are being set up at different points. The footage from the drones and the high-definition cameras that we are planning to set up at important points will be monitored,” said a police officer.
Mounted branch policemen and all-terrain vehicles will also be deployed on the beaches. Over 100 fishermen are being roped in to prevent drowning. Booths will also be set up at the entry points of the beaches to tie bands on the hands of children.
Band aid
“The mobile number of the parents will be written on the bands and this will help find children who get lost in the crowd. Last year, about 20 children were rescued due to the bands,” the officer pointed out.
Once the beach road is full, vehicles will be diverted at War Memorial to Anna Salai, G.P. Road, Royapettah, R.K. Salai. Vehicles from Adyar will be diverted near Kannagi Statue towards Bharati Road, Bells Toad and Wallajah Road.
The stretch from Bharati Road to Kannagi Statue will be made one-way.
