In a major move to ensure safety and order, Trichy City Police Commissioner N Kamini inaugurated a new police outpost near the Ranga Vilas Mandapam at the iconic Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple on Friday. This initiative is a cornerstone of the elaborate crowd management plan for the ongoing Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.
Massive Devotee Influx and Police Preparedness
The police anticipate a significant surge in visitors this year. Last year's footfall stood at approximately 2.5 lakh devotees over the 21-day festival period. For the current celebrations, authorities are gearing up for an even larger crowd, with expectations reaching up to three lakh pilgrims. To manage this immense gathering, a formidable force of around 2,800 police personnel will be deployed across two shifts throughout the festival duration.
High-Tech Surveillance and Strategic Deployments
The newly inaugurated outpost serves as the nerve center for security surveillance. It has been equipped with control over a vast network of 245 CCTV cameras. A detailed breakdown shows that 125 cameras are installed inside the temple complex, while the remaining 120 cover the outer temple premises and crucial street intersections. Complementing the city police, personnel from other districts have also been mobilized for reinforced crowd control.
For enhanced monitoring, especially during the critical event of the opening of the Paramapathavaasal gate on December 30, police watchtowers have been strategically installed across the area.
Comprehensive Traffic and Parking Management
To prevent chaotic congestion, the police have created several temporary parking facilities. These lots are located at key points including:
- Near Yatri Nivas on the Kollidam flood bank road
- Moolathoppu
- Singaperumal Temple ground
- Nelson Road
- Neduntheru Manthai
Commissioner N Kamini stated that police personnel will actively use public address systems to guide visitors, providing clear directions to appropriate parking spots and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The sacred Vaikunta Ekadasi festival commenced with the Thirunedunthantakam rituals on Friday and is scheduled to continue until January 8, marking a period of deep spiritual significance and large-scale public gathering.
