T’puram: The Attukal Pongala festival was conducted successfully this year due to coordinated efforts by corporation, various govt departments, voluntary organizations, religious institutions, residents’ associations and clubs, said mayor V V Rajesh on Wednesday. Police and temple trust estimates indicate that this year witnessed the highest-ever participation in the festival’s history.The newly elected council convened its first preparatory meeting for Pongala on the fourth day after assuming office. By Feb 17, road works on 29 stretches demanded by councillors were completed. To tackle the drinking water shortage in the city, one tanker each was deployed across 52 wards, in addition to eight extra tankers stationed near the temple premises. Temporary tanks were installed on the festival day, supplying thousands of litres of water. The corporation withdrew the free tankers from wards only after ensuring that water scarcity was resolved, Rajesh said. A total of 3,500 sanitation workers were deployed, removing 811 tonnes of waste. As many as 210 tipper lorries and four JCBs were pressed into service, clearing waste, including used bricks, before midnight. Waste was transported using 134 large trucks and 48 smaller vehicles. Mayor said 1,700 additional women police personnel were deployed. CCTV cameras were installed at multiple locations, and photographs of known offenders were displayed to prevent chain-snatching and pickpocketing. Assistance from Tamil Nadu police was also sought. He also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of KSRTC, railways, health, and fire and safety departments, noting that review meetings led by chief minister and other ministers helped streamline operations.
