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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 16:
 

Policemen deployed to maintain security on the  eve of Kaanum Pongal in Chennai.  Photo : A R Jayakumar

        To ensure a peaceful and trouble-free Kaanum Pongal tomorrow, the Chennai Police would deploy nearly 10,000 personnel for maintaining strict vigil on the beach front from Tiruvottiyur to Neelangarai and other areas like tourist spots, Children's Park at Guindy and Vandalur zoo where a surge of humanity was expected on the last day of harvest festival.

        Pongal was celebrated with usual pomp and gaiety throughout Tamilnadu yesterday. Following the call given by the State government, people in villages gathered together and celebrated Samathuva Pongal with enthusiasm and fanfare. They cooked the pongal delicacy and distributed to others. It was also a thanksgiving day to Sun God for helping the farmers to have a bountiful harvest in the fields.

        Today is Maattu Pongal during which cattle is given due respect in villages and towns. The cows and buffaloes are decorated with finery, conch shells and artefacts for worship as they contributed much to farmer's efforts to reap a good harvest. Also, jallikattu (taming the bull) is being held today in many villages of Madurai district invoking the passions of the youth to show-off their daredevil instincts.

        As is customary to observe Kaanum Pongal tomorrow by visiting Marina beach, tourist and entertainment spots in the city, strict vigil and surveillance are being mounted by Chennai Police to prevent untoward incidents in these areas, even as a huge turnout of crowds was expected tomorrow.

        However, in villages and towns delicious items are prepared at homes and they are being partaken along with neighbours and relatives during Kaanum Pongal tomorrow. In contrast, people flock to beach and tourist spots in Chennai to observe this festival. From Tirovottiyur till Neelangarai along the winding coastline the entire police force has been mobilised to maintain strict vigil.

        Under the supervision of Tiruovottiyur Deputy Commissioner Rajendran, a large posse of policemen have taken up security-related duties on this coastal belt. From Nappier bridge to Kannagi statue at Marina, three Deputy Commissioners would head their respective teams comprising eight Assistant Commissioners, 25 Inspectors, 50 Sub Inspectors and nearly 500 head constables, all of whom would be pressed into service all along the length of Marina beach. To deter petty crimes like way-laying and chain snatching by anti-socials, police would patrol the coast in civilian clothes as well. Four watch towers at the Marina would help the police to mount a tight surveillance on the crowds from a good height.

        Police had issued a warning that public were not allowed to take bath on the sea. But they could wet their legs and hands as part of the festival. Caution boards have been installed on the beach warning people to avoid bathing in the sea. The team led by Deputy Commissioner Mauriya would look after the area from Kannagi statue to Thiruvanmiyur on which stretch five watch towers would be set up for surveillance. Rescue teams have been stationed at every 100 metre to save those who had accidentally fallen off and carried away by the tidal waves. Also, loudspeakers were fitted at strategic points to announce missing children to their anxious parents and they have been working at the sites for the last five days.

        From Thiruvanmiyur to Neelangarai and at the Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, two watch towers each would come up. Adyar Deputy Commissioner Mahendra Kumar Rathore would head a team of nearly 1,000 policemen in maintaining vigilance in this coastal stretch. Explaining in detail the security arrangements on the eve of Kaanum Pongal, City Commissioner Letika Saran said heavy police force would be deployed at Tiruvottiyur, Marina beach, Elliots beach and Neelangarai as public were expected to throng in large numbers to these areas tomorrow.

        Public were allowed only to drench their legs and would be strictly prohibited to take bath at sea, Letika Saran pointed out. At the on-going trade fair at Island Grounds, police would maintain strict vigil tomorrow as large turnout was expected. Also, places like Children's Park at Guindy and Vandalur zoo would come under a security blanket as thousands would throng these tourist venues.

        Letika Saran informed the city police would be assisted by Coast Guard, Home Guards and cadets from NSS and NCC in enforcing tight security measures in crowded areas of the city on Kaanum Pongal tomorrow.