Tirunelveli Commissioner of Police Deshmukh Shekar Sanjay on Friday said to ensure security during the ‘Aani’ car festival of Swamy Nellaiyappar Temple, which is to be held on Sunday (June 28), over 1,200 police personnel will be deployed.

Addressing the media in Tirunelveli, he said that as part of the enhanced security measures, 250 CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed to monitor both interior and exterior areas of the temple as well as the four Car streets where the procession takes place. In addition, the entire festival area and crowd movement would be monitored round the clock through high observation towers and three drones.

He added that for the convenience of devotees, authorities have established eight police assistance centres along the car streets, ambulance services and other essential emergency services.

Mr. Sanjay further noted that separate parking arrangements have been made at 18 locations for devotees vehicles and traffic police personnel will assist visitors arriving by road.

The Commissioner emphasised that the devotees attending the festival must not wear or display items that may promote caste identity, including wristbands, vests or t-shirts, ropes, flags and cloths bearing images of caste leaders, warning that legal action will be taken against anyone violating the instructions.

Mr. Sanjay stated that those planning to provide ‘Annadhanam’ under the festival must obtain prior permission from the authorities.

He added that parents will be given identification bands for children to prevent them getting lost in the crowd, and the bands will carry parents’ names and mobile numbers.

The Commissioner appealed to the devotees and the members of the public to cooperate fully with the police to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival.