Vinayagar Chaturthi: 1 Lakh Police Personnel Deployed Across Tamil Nadu

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Tamil Nadu for Vinayagar Chaturthi, with around 1 lakh police personnel deployed across the state. Police have also granted permission for the installation and worship of approximately 37,000 Vinayagar idols in specially erected pandals.

Various groups, including the BJP, Hindu Munnani, other Hindu organisations, youth groups and residents` associations, had sought permission to install idols and conduct celebrations at different locations. In Chennai, permission has been granted for the installation of 1,562 idols.

Guidelines for Idol Installation

Authorities have imposed several conditions based on High Court guidelines and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board regulations. Organisers have been instructed to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the respective local civic bodies before installing idols.

The height of the idols must not exceed 10 feet, and organisers have been advised to avoid locations near places of worship, hospitals and educational institutions.

Police have also warned organisers against raising slogans or making statements that could promote religious hatred or hurt the sentiments of other communities.

Security Arrangements at Pandals

Most of the permitted idols were installed at designated pandals by Sunday evening. One police officer and two volunteers have been assigned to each pandal to oversee security and crowd management.

CCTV cameras have also been installed at several locations to strengthen surveillance. Intelligence personnel are conducting additional monitoring to identify and prevent any potential security concerns.

Special poojas and other rituals for the idols will begin today. The idols will be taken in processions on September 19 and 20 and immersed in designated water bodies.

16,000 Police Personnel Deployed in Chennai

Around 16,000 police personnel have been deployed in Chennai alone for Vinayagar Chaturthi security. Across Tamil Nadu, approximately 1 lakh police personnel are involved in security operations.

Meanwhile, Ilangovan, State Media Coordinator of the Hindu Munnani, said the organisation had facilitated the installation of 1.39 lakh Vinayagar idols of various sizes across Tamil Nadu, including 5,501 idols in Chennai.

Hindu Munnani Procession on September 20

The Hindu Munnani will organise a major Vinayagar idol procession in Chennai on September 20.

According to the organisation, idols installed in South Chennai will be taken in procession from Valluvar Kottam, while those from Central Chennai will begin their procession from Triplicane. Idols from North Chennai will be taken from Muthusamy Bridge.

The processions will conclude with the immersion of the ididols in the sea.