The Greater Chennai City police have deployed 16,500 personnel and 2,000 Home Guards across the city for Vinayaka idol processions and immersion on Sunday, with organisers instructed to use only designated routes and locations.
A total of 1,562 idols were installed across the city for Vinayaka Chaturthi on September 14, with police permission and after obtaining clearances from relevant departments. Several idols were already immersed, while the remaining idols will be taken out in processions on Sunday.
Police Commissioner A. Amalraj directed officials to ensure that the processions were conducted peacefully and without any untoward incidents.
Temporary police control rooms and help centres have been set up at designated points. Fire tenders, ambulances, motorboats, and trained volunteer swimmers will be kept ready for emergencies. Watchtowers were erected, while drones and binoculars would be used for surveillance. Mounted personnel and All-Terrain Vehicles (Beach Buggies) will also be deployed for patrolling.
The police appealed to the organisers to cooperate with security arrangements. Those violating restrictions or disrupting public peace would face legal action, police said.
Published – September 20, 2026 12:24 am IST
