Chennai tightens Pongal security at Marina Beach with 16,000 police
Chennai tightens Pongal security at Marina Beach with 16,000 police
Chennai gears up for Kaanum Pongal with massive police presence, drones, and safety measures along Marina Beach and city spots.
Expectations of large crowds for Kaanum Pongal have prompted the Greater Chennai Police to roll out extensive security across the city. About 16,000 police personnel and nearly 1,500 Home Guards will be on duty on Saturday to manage the festivities and ensure safety along Marina Beach and other popular spots. At Marina, three temporary mini-control rooms were established between the Labour Statue and the Lighthouse, with police assistance booths at service road entry points to assist revellers. Eight ambulances, two fire engines, motorboats, and more than 200 trained swimmers are kept on standby to respond quickly to emergencies.
To keep the crowds under watch, 13 temporary surveillance towers have been deployed along with CCTV cameras, mounted patrols, and all-terrain vehicles. An 85-member anti-drowning team has been formed along the shore to prevent people from venturing into the sea. At Elliot’s Beach, similar arrangements include a temporary control room, surveillance towers, ambulances, a fire engine, swimmers, and motorboats.
For quick tracing of missing children, wrist ID bands carrying child and parent details will be issued at assistance booths. Eight drone cameras will provide aerial surveillance over Marina and Besant Nagar beaches, with safety messages broadcast to the public. Security teams will also be stationed at Guindy Children’s Park, Island Grounds, Semmozhi Poonga, amusement parks, malls and multiplexes to deter crime and assist visitors.
Traffic management will be in place around Kamarajar Salai, with diversions for vehicles approaching the area. Parking has been arranged at Foreshore Road, Madras University, Swami Sivananda Salai, and other nearby locations to accommodate the influx of visitors while keeping major thoroughfares clear for emergency movement.
City authorities emphasised coordinated efforts between police, traffic police, and city administration to ensure a smooth and safe celebration for Kaanum Pongal across Chennai.
