Kaanum Pongal 2026: 16,000 Police Deployed Across Chennai for Public Safety
Ahead of Kaanum Pongal celebrations, the Chennai City Police has made extensive security arrangements across the city. Under the directions of Arun, around 16,000 police personnel along with 1,500 Home Guards will be deployed to ensure peaceful celebrations.
The traditional Pongal festival will be celebrated on January 15, 16, and 17, and a large public turnout is expected at beaches and major recreational spots on Kaanum Pongal day.
Marina Beach Security Arrangements
Special security measures have been put in place at Marina Beach, where thousands of visitors are expected:
- 3 temporary police control rooms between Labour Statue and Gandhi Statue
- Police assistance booths at entry points of 7 service roads from Labour Statue to Lighthouse
- 13 temporary watch towers on the sandy stretch, each manned by police personnel
- 8 ambulances with medical teams on standby
- 2 fire and rescue service vehicles stationed for emergencies
- Swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited, with barricades placed along the shoreline
Additionally, 13 extra CCTV cameras have been installed at 12 key locations, monitored live from control rooms.
Drone Surveillance
- 4 drone cameras at Marina Beach
- 4 drone cameras at Elliot’s Beach Continuous aerial surveillance will be carried out to monitor crowd movement and ensure safety.
Besant Nagar – Elliot’s Beach
At Elliot’s Beach, the following arrangements have been made:
- 1 temporary police control room
- 3 surveillance watch towers
- Monitoring using binoculars and public address systems
Child Safety Measures
To prevent children from getting separated in crowds:
- Special wristbands and identity tags will be issued at police assistance booths
- Details such as child’s name, parents’ contact number, and address will be written and tied on the child’s wrist
Security at Other Public Places
- Temporary police assistance centres have also been set up at:
- Guindy Children’s Park
- Tamil Nadu Government Tourism Exhibition at Island Grounds
- Semmozhi Poonga
- Amusement parks, shopping malls, and cinema complexes
These measures aim to ensure that t the public can celebrate Kaanum Pongal safely and joyfully. The Chennai City Police have requested full cooperation from the public and motorists.
