Chennai, October 18 (IANS). Tamil Nadu Police and the Fire and Rescue Services Department have stepped up security across the state ahead of the festival rush. A combined force of over 26,000 personnel has been deployed to ensure public safety and prevent accidents. According to an official statement, around 18,000 police personnel have been deployed in key commercial and residential areas, including officers from law and order, crime, traffic, armed reserves, special police and home guard wings. This tight security arrangement will remain in place for the entire Diwali festive period till October 22. In Chennai, the police have installed 16 temporary monitoring towers to keep an eye on mob activities. Which includes eight in T Nagar, four in Kilpauk, and two each in Washermanpet and Flower Bazaar. In addition, four temporary control rooms have been set up at T Nagar, Purasawalkam, Washermanpet and Flower Bazaar for real-time monitoring and coordination in crowd management. To deal with petty crimes during festivals, plainclothes policemen have been deployed in crowded markets and shopping areas to keep an eye on pickpockets and habitual criminals. The city police have also introduced drone surveillance and facial recognition systems in congested areas to strengthen security surveillance. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department has deployed 8,000 firefighters across the state, including 43 fire stations in Chennai city limits. As a precautionary measure, 24 additional fire tenders and 50 metro water tankers have been deployed at important locations in the capital. Officials said fire safety checks are being carried out in shopping complexes, residential areas and firecracker manufacturing units. Emergency response teams, including 108 ambulances and firemen, have been kept ready in densely populated areas to deal with any untoward incident. Mobile X-ray baggage scanners have also been installed in major shopping centers to improve security checks. The police appealed to the public to cooperate and follow safety rules during the festive period. “Our teams are working round the clock to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations for all,” said a senior police officer. –IANS AKS/DSC
High alert in Tamil Nadu: 26,000 policemen deployed for security during festive season
