Ganesha Idols Immersed with Pomp

Chennai: The arterial roads of Chennai came alive with color and celebration on Sunday as vibrant processions, filled with dancing devotees and rhythmic drumbeats, escorted more than 1,878 Vinayagar idols to their final immersion at the city's beaches - including Pattinapakkam, Thiruvotriyur, Ennore, Kasimedu, Palavakkam, and Neelankarai on Sunday.On Sunday morning, the procession of idols commenced, with devotees participating in rituals and observances. Soon after, several religious and local groups arrived in trucks, carrying the idols. Firecrackers were set off along the roads, while devotees danced to religious songs, celebrating late into the night.To maintain law and order during the festivities, the city police heightened security measures, deploying 16,500 personnel and 2000 home guard volunteers along with portable CCTV cameras and surveillance towers. Of the 1878 idols, 1277 were taken on procession from Chennai police limits while 591 idols and 196 idols were taken on procession from Tambaram and Avadi police limits respectively. During the last Vinayagar Chaturthi, the Greater Chennai Corporation's private solid waste management contractor, Urbaser Sumeet, collected 1,500 plaster of Paris idols, along with tons of plastic waste and floral debris, from immersion sites at Srinivasapuram, Neelankarai, Kasimedu, and Thiruvottiyur. Around 70 tonnes of waste washed ashore at that timeDesignated collection points have been set up at idol immersion sites to separately collect biodegradable waste, such as flowers and garlands for composting, and recyclable materials like plastics for proper disposal. To raise awareness, four megaphones, three battery-operated vehicles, and 28 personnel were deployed at Marina, Pattinapakkam, and Palavakkam beaches.GCP Commissioner A Arun appreciated the personnel for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful procession and immersion.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !