The harvest festival Pongal brings cheer and happiness to
everybody – Chennai is a city of people who had moved in from their villages
decades ago or even centuries ago – the city wears a great cosmopolitan outlook
housing people from North and North-eastern India, and many foreigners as well.
Today 17th Jan 2016 is Kanum Pongal. Most Shops & Establishments
are closed as workers stay away enjoying their holiday with their
families. On “Kaanum Pongal’ day thousands [lakhs !] throng the beaches of Marina. Other
places like Exhibition grounds, Cinema halls, Vandalur Zoo and the like
would also seen huge numbers coming. You can even see bullock carts, mini
trucks and other forms of vehicles fully loaded with people who venture out so
happily to enjoy the festival – be with the family, wear new clothes and dine
happily. Transport Corporation has made special arrangements and 200 specials
buses are run today.
Marina beach is not safe and the Sea has taken the lives
of many youngsters. The City Police has stepped up security
on the Marina and Elliots beaches in view of Kaanum Pongal. Barricades
have been erected preventing people from entering water and special podiums
have been set equipped with public address system to take care of small
children who wander away from their parents and relatives. Temporary
watchtowers with public address systems have also been set up. The
police have announced certain changes in the vehicular movement on Kamarajar
Salai and some other roads to ensure free movement of people. In a new
initiative, the City Police plan to attach bands around the wrists of children
to help trace those missing. The bands, containing telephone numbers of their
parents, will be provided to children below two at three child helpline booths
on three service entry routes on the beach.
Thousands will throng the Marina and will generate more
than 25 tonnes of waste on Marina alone. The average amount of litter they
generate has been increasing every year. Here are some photos of Marina beach
taken by me around 05.30 pm today ~ just the time when people started coming ! –
and perhaps the beach got more dense in the late evening.
With regards – S. Sampathkumar.
17th Jan 2016.
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