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Chennai, Oct 18 (IANS) The city police and Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services department have stepped up security measures across the state ahead of the festive rush and deployed a joint force of over 26,000 personnel to ensure public safety and prevent accidents.
According to an official statement, around 18,000 police personnel – including officers from law and order, crime, traffic, armed reserves, special police and home guard wings – have been deployed in major commercial and residential areas. The enhanced security arrangements will remain in place till October 22, covering the entire Diwali festive period.
In Chennai, police have set up 16 temporary watchtowers to keep an eye on crowd movements – eight in T Nagar, four in Kilpauk, and two each in Washermanpet and Flower Bazaar. Additionally, four temporary control rooms have been set up at T Nagar, Purasawalkam, Washermanpet and Flower Bazaar for real-time monitoring and coordination of crowd management.
To deal with petty crimes during the festive rush, plainclothes police personnel 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 face-recognition systems in high-traffic 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 within Chennai city limits. As a precautionary measure, 24 additional fire tenders and 50 metro water tankers have been deployed at strategic points across the capital.
Officials said fire safety checks are being conducted in shopping complexes, residential areas and firecracker manufacturing units. Emergency response teams, including 108 ambulances and fire tenders, have been kept on standby in densely populated areas to deal with any untoward incident.
Mobile X-ray baggage scanners have also been installed in major shopping centers to enhance security checks.
Officials urged the public to follow safety rules and cooperate with authorities during the festive season. “Our teams are working round the clock to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations for everyone,” a senior police officer said.
–IANS
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