VELLORE: The police department has laid down a set of guidelines to streamline temple car processions in the north zone comprising Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Tiruvallur districts, to ensure the safety and security of devotees.
The guidelines restrict temple car processions after dusk and suggest installation of hydraulic brakes for the chariots to ensure their smooth movement.
After conducting a thorough study into the two mishaps involving temple cars at Arni in Tiruvannamalai district and Gudiyattam in Vellore district, which killed in all 10 devotees, IG of North Zone P Kannappan has issued orders to DIG and SPs in the zone to strictly follow the guidelines during temple car processions.
As per the directions, temple car processions should be held during the day, the stability of temple cars should be certified by PWD without compromising precautionary measures, high tension lines should also be disconnected along the procession route and the State Highway and local body administration should ensure good roads for the procession.