CHENNAI: Ahead of Kaanum Pongal , when people throng the city’s beaches among other hangout spots, police have mapped a detailed security arrangement to manage the rush.The stretch along the Marina and Elliot’s beaches has been cordoned off, cutting access to the sea to avoid drowning incidents. Drones will assist around 20,000 personnel to monitor crowd. Temporary control centres will be set up near Gandhi, Kannagi statues and near MGR memorial to rescue children who go missing in the crowd. “We have made elaborate safety arrangements in all public places, including the Marina and Elliot’s beaches for Kaanum Pongal,” said a senior police official.Around 1.5 lakh people visited Marina for Kaanum Pongal last year. “We expect around 2 lakh people to visit Marina this year. Elliot’s beach saw 30,000 people last year, and might have 50,000 visitors this time. “Five additional commissioners, eight joint commissioners, and 21 deputy commissioners of police, will be on bandobust duty. We will erect watch towers and barricades on the beach for better, close surveillance of the crowd. Mounted police force and beach buggies will also be pressed into service to deter people from venturing into the sea,” the official said.Elevated mobile platforms with high mast lamps would be set up on the beaches to light up the sea front after dusk.

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