A consultation meeting was held on Saturday under the chairmanship of Madurai district collector K J Praveen Kumar to review advance preparations, security arrangements, and basic amenities at public venues ahead of the Chithirai festival at Kallazhagar temple in Alagarkoil.
Transport and Safety Arrangements
The collector announced that 125 buses have been arranged for the procession departing from Alagarkoil, including an additional 50 vehicles. Adequate barricade facilities have been set up to ensure the safety of devotees.
Parking and Amenities
Parking facilities for more than 390 vehicles, over 2,000 drinking water tanks, and six mobile toilet facilities are being arranged. More than 2,500 police personnel will be deployed for security duties, with over 15 inspectors, 50 deputy police inspectors, and officers from the southern zone visiting Madurai. Additionally, more than 5,000 police personnel and 600 sanitation workers will be deployed within the city.
Medical and Emergency Services
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.
Infrastructure Improvements
Steps have been taken to remove tree branches and electric poles along the routes of Kallazhagar's procession. More streetlights will be installed in Goripalayam compared to last year. The collector said 512 mandagappadis (palanquin bearers) have been arranged for the procession. Mandagappadi holders must obtain a structural stability certificate from the PWD and electricity department for the safety of devotees.
Food and Liquor Regulations
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.
Expected Devotee Turnout
The collector mentioned that about 8 lakh devotees witnessed last year's Chithirai festival, and steps are being taken to ensure devotees have 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 government officials.
