2,500 policemen deployed for security

Shailesh Kumar Yadav elaborated about other arrangements such as setting up of 20 LED screens at Chithirai and Avani Moola streets for important events such as the celestial wedding and entry of Kallazhagar into the river. 

“Six large temporary rooms to place slippers of the devotees would also be setup at various places around the Meenakshi Amman temple. Arrangements have been made to manage the crowds by streamlining people into various temple towers. For instance, VIPs and temple workers would be allowed through the eastern tower. Four thousand devotees would be sent free through the southern tower. Those who purchase the Rs 200 tickets would be allowed through the North tower. The Western tower will be for people who buy Rs 500 ticket and other VIPs,” said the commissioner. 

As regards parking arrangements, three large parking lots would be setup at places around the temple and three different types of passes would be issued. For vehicles with yellow passes parking had been arranged at East Avani Moola street, explained the commissioner.

The commissioner went on to say that similarly for those who possess the blue and pink passes, parking has been arranged at South Veli street and South Avani Moola street respectively. Five ambulances for emergency purposes would be stationed at key spots such as Vilakkuthoon, Jansi Rani park, Old Central market and Gandhi statue, he added. 

“To curb chain snatching, policemen in civil clothes will mingle with the crowd to identify and catch criminals red handed. Thirty six CCTV cameras will be placed in various places around the temple and mobile cameras will also be used in crowd regulation,” said the commissioner. 

When the deity of Kallazhagar is taken into the river, the authorities have planned to put up 10 LED screens from Goripalayam to Tallakulam Perumal temple. An emergency team under a ADSP will have technicians like plumbers, fitters and so on to fix emergency problems, said the Commissioner.