Today 17thJan 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.
17thJan 2016.
