Sea of humanity at Marina on Kaanum Pongal

Chennai, Jan 17 (UNI) It was a sea of humanity as hundreds and thousands of people thronged Asia's second largest beach, Marina, on the occasion of ''Kaanum Pongal'' marking the culmination of the four-day Pongal festival today.

Police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident and barricades were erected near the sea front to prevent visitors from bathing in the sea.

More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed on security duty on the entire coast line from Tiruvottriyur in North Chennai to Neelangarai on the ECR.

Milling crowds were also seen in the Children's Park at Guindy, Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, theme parks, amusement parks, cinema theatres, and the All India Industrial Trade Fair at the Island Grounds.

Police also monitored the crowd from a watch tower erected near the MGR and Anna Memorials.

Lathi-wielding cops, posted near the sea shore, were seen advising the public not to venture into the sea for bathing.

Besides, police personnel on horse back were also seen patrolling the entire beach stretch.

Marina did not attract the usual crowd in 2005 due to the Decemebr 26, 2004 tsunami. However, with the people having overcome their fear of the killer waves, the beach front turned out to be the most sought after destination for the visitors.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation operated special buses and Southern Railway increased the number of EMUs to various destinations for the benefit of the public.

UNI