Chennai, 20 September (H.S.):The city has been brought under an extensive security cover as thousands of devotees prepare to participate in the Vinayagar idol processions and immersions scheduled for Sunday.

As many as 16,500 police personnel and 2,000 Home Guard volunteers have been assigned to manage the processions, regulate traffic and maintain law and order. The deployment covers procession routes, crowded junctions and coastal areas.

Of the 1,524 idols installed across Chennai, more than 100 were immersed on Saturday. The remaining idols will be carried in processions to the sea on Sunday under police supervision.

Foreshore Estate, Neelangarai, Kasimedu fishing harbour and Tiruvottiyur have been designated as the four official immersion locations. Organisers must use approved routes and complete the immersion according to the conditions imposed by the police.

Temporary control rooms and assistance centres have been established at all four venues to coordinate security and emergency operations. Cranes have been arranged to lift and lower the larger idols safely into the sea, while boats will be deployed to monitor activities in the water.

All-terrain vehicles, fire and rescue personnel, fire tenders and ambulances will remain stationed at the immersion locations. Trained swimmers have also been deployed to respond to emergencies. Watchtowers have been erected at strategic points to help the police monitor crowd movements and identify potential safety concerns.

Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj, accompanied by senior police officers, inspected the immersion sites and reviewed the security, traffic and emergency-response arrangements.

Police personnel will accompany the processions along the approved routes, and traffic diversions will be implemented wherever required. Organisers have been instructed to follow the conditions stipulated while granting permission for the installation, procession and immersion of idols.

The police warned that strict legal action would be initiated against organisers or individuals who violate the prescribed conditions, take processions through unauthorised routes or attempt to disturb public peace during the immersion programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman