Chennai Deepavali 2026: 18,000 Police Personnel to Be Deployed for Festive Security

Chennai Police Announce Extensive Deepavali Security Arrangements

The Greater Chennai Police have announced extensive security arrangements for Deepavali celebrations on November 8, 2026. Around 18,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city to ensure public safety, prevent crime and manage traffic during the festive season.

Police Commissioner A. Amalraj has directed personnel from various wings of the city police, the Armed Reserve, Tamil Nadu Special Police and Home Guards to focus on crowd control, crime prevention and traffic regulation.

Special security arrangements have been made in major shopping areas, including T. Nagar, Washermenpet, Purasawalkam and Flower Bazaar, where large crowds are expected during the festive shopping period.

Watch Towers and CCTV Monitoring in Chennai

To improve surveillance in crowded commercial areas, Chennai Police have established 25 temporary watch towers across the city.

The watch towers are distributed as follows:

T. Nagar: 10

Washermenpet: 2

Kilpauk: 4

Flower Bazaar: 4

Triplicane: 2

Adyar: 1

Police personnel equipped with binoculars will monitor crowds from these towers on a rotational basis.

Additionally, 12 temporary police control rooms and 37 temporary help desks have been established in major shopping hubs. CCTV footage will be monitored to identify suspicious activity, track offenders and help reunite missing children with their families.

Around 100 police personnel equipped with body-worn cameras will also monitor crowded locations.

Drone Surveillance and Public Safety Announcements

Seven drone cameras will be used to monitor crowded areas and help prevent criminal activities. An exclusive WhatsApp group has also been created to improve coordination and information sharing among police personnel.

Safety messages will be displayed on LED screens and broadcast through 66 public address systems in major shopping areas. These announcements will advise shoppers to safeguard their mobile phones, cash, jewellery and other valuables while avoiding traffic congestion.

Traffic Management and Crime Prevention

Four-wheeler and two-wheeler patrols have been intensified across Chennai. Traffic patrol vehicles and Traffic Marshals will regulate vehicle movement in T. Nagar, Purasawalkam, Washermenpet and Flower Bazaar.

Mobile X-ray baggage scanner vehicles will conduct random baggage checks at shopping malls, commercial establishments and other crowded locations.

Women are advised to weaear scarves to help prevent chain-snatching incidents. Plainclothes police personnel, including men and women, will be deployed to monitor suspicious activity and prevent theft and other crimes.

Ambulances and Fire Safety Arrangements

Ambulances with medical teams and fire engines with firefighting personnel will be stationed at strategic locations to respond to emergencies.

Adequate safety measures have also been arranged around firecracker shops to prevent accidents during the festive period.

The extensive Chennai Deepavali security arrangements aim to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations for residents and visitors throughout the city.

For the latest Chennai news, traffic updates and Deepavali announcements, visit LiveChennai.com.