PACKAGE: ALL ROADS LEAD TO MADURAI AS 7 LAKH EXPECTED FOR MEENAKSHI TEMPLE CONSECRATION AFTER 17 YEARS: Madurai is gearing up for the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple consecration, being held after 17 years, with seven lakhs of devotees expected to converge on the city.
Madurai: At least seven lakh devotees are expected to converge in Madurai next week as the city gears up for Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple consecration, being held after 17 years. Police have announced vehicle restrictions around Chithirai, Avani Moola and Masi streets from Sept 16 night, besides diversions and temporary parking for incoming traffic. Around 4,500 police personnel comprising crime teams, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and special surveillance units will be stationed across the temple zone and other key locations. . Parking for about 200 vehicles has been earmarked at the old central market site near East and North Chithirai Streets.
“Moving through the city is becoming difficult because everything is packed,” he added. From packed hotels and transport services to heightened security, viewing arrangements and civic works, preparations have entered the final stretch. Madurai city police are putting in place a multi-layered security plan for the temple consecration, combining additional manpower, real-time surveillance and specialised patrol teams to manage the expected influx of devotees. Police are relying on technology including Face Recognition Software (FRS) to identify people with criminal records moving among large crowds. Ground-level policing has also been strengthened. Two horse-mounted personnel will patrol Chithirai Streets, with two more to be pressed into service during the consecration. Separate arrangements have been drawn up for VIP movement. Madurai corporation has spent the past month preparing streets and public facilities to meet the arrival of large numbers of devotees. Emergency repairs have been carried out on roads and paver blocks along Chithirai and Avani Moola Streets. Sewage blocks have also been cleared, with officials conducting daily inspections around the temple zone.
With local holidays on Wednesday and Thursday, many are using Tuesday as a bridge and arriving early,” said a devotee, D Alagar.