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NT Bureau
Chennai, Sept 22:
 

READY FOR LIFT-OFF: Gargantuan cranes in places on the Pattinapakkam beach for Vinayaka idol immersion tomorrow. Photo: K Vijay Anand

        About 5,000 police personnel will be deployed during the processions to be taken for the immersion of Vinayaka idols at sea tomorrow.

        Speaking to News Today Chennai City Police Commissioner, Nanchil Kumaran said 'as many as 30 routes have been identified for the procession. The idols will be immesed at six places - Foreshore Estate, Kasimedu fishing harbour, Tiruvotiyur Popular weigh bridge, Universal Carborandum at Tiruvotiyur, Palgalai Nagar at Neelankarai and Ennore Ramakrishna Nagar.'

        Various Hindu groups which have put up Vinayaga idols herehave been given clear instructions. 'We have instructed them to keep vigil of the idols round the clock. The height of the idol, including the vehicle, from the road, should not exceed ten feet. Idols should be made only of clay and not chemicals', he said.

        'Idols were placed at 1086 locations in the city last year and will be the same this time too', he said.

        Inflammable materials should not be kept near the idols and bursting of crackers should be avoided when the procession is being taken out, he added. The policemen and Friends of Police on duty have been given necessary instructions to manage the crowd.

        The Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and seven more police officers to the rank of Deputy Commissioners will oversee the security arrangements. Additional policemen including six companies of Tamilnadu Special Police and one company of Commando Force are also in place.

        The organisers have been strictly instructed to adhere to rules and desist from raising controversial slogans, the Commissioner said.

        Anti-sabotage teams and sniffer dogs would be pressed into service to keep a strict vigil on the procession routes. Video-cameras and closed circuit TVs would be arranged at all strategic points to cover the procession, said a senior police official. Cranes will be stationed at different immersion locations for the idols immersion. Persons with wireless sets are being stationed at each crane.