Chennai, Sep 13 (IANS) Security has been tightened across Chennai ahead of Vinayaka Chaturthi, with the city police deploying an additional 2,000 personnel and setting up 14 new checkpoints.
Vinayaka Chaturthi will be celebrated across the country on September 14. Hindu organisations, social welfare groups, residents’ associations and local communities are making arrangements to install Vinayaka idols at public places in different parts of the city.
As preparations gather momentum, police have stepped up surveillance to ensure that the festival, processions and idol immersions take place peacefully.
Security arrangements are being coordinated after identifying idol installation sites, procession routes and designated immersion points.
The 14 additional checkpoints have been established at important locations across Chennai as part of the intensified security plan. Police teams stationed at these points will inspect vehicles and monitor the movement of idols and festival-related materials. Officers will also verify whether idols have been installed only at authorised locations and in accordance with the prescribed conditions.
Organisers are expected to comply with the rules governing the size and placement of idols, public safety, traffic movement and the use of permitted procession routes.
The police will closely monitor whether idols are taken for immersion only to the locations authorised by the administration. Movement along procession routes will be regulated to prevent congestion and avoid inconvenience to residents and motorists.
The additional force will be deployed at crowded markets, places of worship, major road junctions, idol installation sites and immersion points.
Special teams will manage traffic and maintain order during processions, when large numbers of devotees are expected to gather.
Patrolling and vehicle checks have also been intensified in sensitive and heavily populated areas.
Police personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant and respond quickly to any incident that could disturb public order.
Traffic diversions and temporary restrictions are likely to be introduced wherever necessary during the movement of processions. Motorists have been advised to cooperate with police personnel and follow traffic instructions.
Festival organisers have been asked to maintain coordination with local police stations and adhere strictly to the permissions granted to them.
Authorities said the expanded security measures were intended to prevent untoward incidents and ensure that Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations and subsequent idol immersion processions are conducted in a safe, peaceful and orderly manner.
–IANS
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