Preparations on for Chithirai fest at Alagarkoil

Madurai: A consultation meeting with officers of all departments on advance preparations, security arrangements and basic amenities at public venues ahead of Chithirai festival at Kallazhagar temple, Alagarkoil, was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of district collector K J Praveen Kumar.The collector said 125 buses have been arranged, including an additional 50 vehicles, for the procession departing from Alagarkoil. Adequate barricade facilities have also been arranged for the safety of devotees.Other arrangements being made are parking facilities for more than 390 vehicles, more than 2,000 drinking water tanks and six mobile toilet facilities. More than 2,500 police personnel are to be deployed for security duties, and more than 15 inspectors, 50 deputy police inspectors and officers from the southern zone will visit Madurai. More than 5,000 police personnel and 600 sanitation workers are to be deployed within the city.Adequate medical camps and 10 ambulances are being arranged, including two advanced life support ambulances and eight basic ambulances. More than 50 fire and rescue service officers with swimming training will be deployed at rivers.Steps were taken to remove tree branches and electric poles along the routes of Kallazhagar's procession, and install more streetlights in Goripalayam compared to last year. The collector said 512 mandagappadis (palanquin bearers) have been arranged for Kallazhagar's procession. Mandagappadi holders must obtain a structural stability certificate from PWD and electricity department for the safety of devotees.Those providing annadanam (free food) to the public must obtain prior permission and cooperate with food safety department officers. Tasmac shops along the routes during the festival will remain closed. The collector said about 8 lakh devotees witnessed last year's Chithirai festival, and steps are being taken to ensure devotees had an equally grand darshan this year as well.The event was attended by corporation commissioner Chithra Vijayan, district revenue officer Anbazhagan, HR&CE department joint commissioners Harikaran and Suresh, and other govt officials.