Chennai: The Chennai city police made elaborate security arrangements for the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols in the sea.
The Commissioner of Police, A K Viswanathan has formed a special team of police to man the crowd and maintain law and order on these three days. The large posse of police will be led by three Additional Commissioners. Six Deputy Commissioners, 12 Assistant Commissioners, Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors.According to the sources, Ten thousand member police team will be deployed for duty across the city. This year, permission has been given to immerse 2,600 Vinayaka idols. They were installed across the city on 2 September, ahead of Ganesh Chathurthi which was celebrated Monday. The days to immerse the idols are 5, 7 and 8 September.
The police said this time they have identified six points for devotees to immerse the figurines. The public can access the sea at Ramakrishna Nagar, Ennore, two locations at Thiruvottiyur, Kasimedu, Srinivasapuram in Pattinapakkam and Palkalai Nagar, Neelankarai.
The Madras High Court and Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board have issued guidelines for immersion of idols in water bodies. Police have identified sensitive areas in the city and will be deploying additional personnel here. Several teams of lifeguards and medical teams are also formed to be at the immersion points.
A police source said the personnel from the police and home guards to be deployed across the city will ensure that law and order are maintained and there is no disturbance for the public peace.
On Vinayaka Chathurthi day, 2,000 policemen were on duty, and no untoward incident was reported.
