The police have stepped up security across the city ahead of Deepavali, particularly to check the activities of antisocial elements. Superintendent of Police (North) N. Ravikumar told The Hindu that Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) had been installed at all the main markets and commercial centres .
Special police teams, including personnel from the India Reserve Battalion (IRB), have been deployed in busy market places and other crowded areas.
“As many as 12 CCTV cameras have been installed on Jawaharlal Nehru Street. We have also installed 10 cameras on Anna Salai. This is in addition to the watchtowers erected on arterial roads,” Mr. Ravikumar said
Apart from this shops located at all the main markets have also installed CCTV cameras. Over 150 uniformed and plainclothes policemen have been deployed in all the thoroughfares. Police have installed barricades in shopping areas for easy movement of pedestrians as well as vehicles, he said.
A senior police official said new traffic arrangements had been put in place on Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Anna Salai. Restrictions have been imposed on entry of vehicles, particularly four-wheelers, on Jawaharlal Nehru Street. People will be allowed to park their vehicles at the designated parking slots and on Rangapillai Street.
Similarly, vehicle movement would be restricted on Anna Salai and Bussy Street. People can park their two-wheelers at Anna Thidal. This would ease congestion and ensure hassle-free shopping experience.
Meanwhile, the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee has prohibited bursting of crackers that generate noise above 125 decibels.
The committee has also prohibited bursting of crackers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and in silence zones. Officials have been deputed at notified points to ensure compliance.
