Chennai police deploy 16,000 personnel for Kaanum Pongal security

The Greater Chennai Police has been making elaborate security arrangements for Kaanum Pongal on January 17, deploying about 16,000 police personnel and nearly 1,500 Home Guards across the city to ensure safe celebrations.

Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun said the measures focus on Marina Beach, Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach and other major public gathering points, where large crowds are expected.

At Marina Beach, three temporary mini control rooms have been set up between the Labour Statue and the Lighthouse, along with police assistance booths at service road entry points. Eight ambulances, two fire service vehicles, motorboats, and over 200 trained volunteer swimmers will be on standby. Thirteen temporary surveillance towers, CCTV cameras, mounted police and All-Terrain Vehicles will be used for crowd control and crime prevention. Sea bathing has been prohibited, with barricades and an 85-member anti-drowning team will be deployed along the shore.

At Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach, a temporary control room, surveillance towers, mounted patrols, ambulances, a fire service vehicle, swimmers, and motorboats have been arranged.

To quickly trace missing children, police will issue wrist-ID bands carrying the child’s and parents’ details at assistance booths. Eight drone cameras will provide aerial surveillance at Marina and Besant Nagar beaches, with safety messages broadcast to the public.

Security has also been stepped up at Guindy Children’s Park, Island Grounds, Semmozhi Poonga, amusement parks, malls, and multiplexes. Special vehicle check teams will act against drunk driving and traffic violations.

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police will deploy road safety patrols and monitoring teams at key stretches, including Guindy, Adyar, Taramani, Neelankarai, Thoraipakkam, Maduravoyal Bypass Road, and GST Road, to regulate traffic and prevent bike racing during the festivities.