CHENNAI: All arrangements have been made for devotees who would be visiting Mylapore on April 3 to watch the kumbabhisekham (consecration) of Kapaleeswarar Temple. Police have stepped up security including installing additional CCTV cameras within the temple and on four Mada streets around the temple complex. Over 2,000 police personnel will provide security that day. Many history-sheeters are being watched to avoid crime including stealing devotees’ belongings.
D Kaveri, joint commissioner and executive officer of the temple, told the media that over one lakh devotees were expected to turn up for the kumbabhisekham. Watch towers would be installed at vantage points of the temple and a police outpost with CCTV monitoring system would be set up near the temple. Basic amenities like drinking water and medical facilities would be arranged on that day. From March 28 onwards, an ambulance would be stationed near the temple round the clock. Similarly, a temporary fire rescue station would also be set up near the temple tank to prevent any mishap.
Since the model code of conduct for the election is in force, those who wish to organise annadhanam (mass feeding) on a large scale should get prior permission from the returning officer of Mylapore constituency. “If they approach the temple administration, steps for getting the permission to hold annadhanam will be explained to them,” Kaveri said.
She said CCTVs would be installed at key points to help devotees watch the consecration while arrangements would be made for live telecast of the event. Additional buses from various parts of the city would be operated on April 3.
The TNEB had agreed to provide uninterrupted power for the event while the Corporation had made arrangements for cleaning garbage in and around the temple.