Greater Chennai Police tighten vigil for peaceful New Year celebrations

The Greater Chennai City Police have put in place elaborate security arrangements by deploying 19,000 police personnel to ensure people celebrate the New Year peacefully and safely across the city.

Acting on the directions of Commissioner of Police A. Arun, the city police have stepped up security at beaches, places of worship, roads and other locations where large crowds are expected. The deployment includes Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, police constables, Armed Reserve and Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) personnel. In addition, about 1,500 Home Guards will assist the police in New Year security duties.

Police said enhanced security will be in place from 9 p.m. on Wednesday, with vehicle check posts set up at 425 locations across the city. As part of road safety measures, 30 two-wheeler patrol teams will conduct rounds to create awareness and render assistance to the public.

A senior police officer said that, as a preventive step against illegal bike racing, 30 surveillance and check teams have been deployed in areas including Guindy, Adyar, Taramani, Neelankarai–Thoraipakkam, Maduravoyal bypass road and GST Road. Security has also been strengthened at over 100 major temples, churches and other places of worship, and prominent public locations.

As part of New Year safety measures, the public will not be permitted to enter or bathe in the sea from Wednesday evening till January 1. Beaches such as Marina, Santhome, Elliot’s Beach and Neelankarai will be closely monitored by police with the help of Mounted Branch personnel and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Temporary Police Assistance Booths will be set up along the beaches, including Marina, Santhome and Kamarajar Salai. Drone cameras will be used to monitor key locations, while commuters have been advised to follow diversion routes in areas affected by metro rail works.

Along the coast, the Tamil Nadu Police, Coastal Security Group and Marina Beach Anti-Drowning Unit will jointly carry out safety measures. Warning signboards have been installed to prevent drowning incidents, and mounted police will be stationed along the beach stretches.

During New Year celebrations at government-approved recreation clubs, hotels and star hotels, organisers have been directed to ensure the safety of women and children. Children will not be allowed in premises where alcohol consumption is permitted.

For emergency medical needs, 108 ambulance services with medical teams will be kept on standby near key locations and crowded areas. Temporary watch towers will be erected under the supervision of senior officers to prevent crimes, especially those against women and children. Mobile Surveillance Teams equipped with PA systems and flickering lights on vehicles will be deployed in busy and high-traffic zones.

Bursting of firecrackers has been banned in all public and residential areas. In apartment complexes and residential localities, New Year events and the use of loudspeakers will be permitted only after obtaining necessary permissions from the police and other departments. Action will be taken against violators.

Meanwhile, the Tambaram City Police announced that 60 vehicle check teams will be deployed on major arterial and sub-arterial roads, including ECR, OMR, Radial Road, ORR, and GST Road, to curb traffic violations, drunk driving and bike racing. FL-2 and FL-3 bars will function strictly as per licence conditions, and any violations will invite stringent action.

Traffic rules will be strictly enforced, and the police have appealed to the public to cooperate and celebrate New Year in a safe and responsible manner. Strict action, including vehicle seizure and case registration, will be taken against drunk drivers, and youth have been urged to refrain from drunken driving.