After 27 persons drowned in the beaches of the city and its outskirts in 2017, the police are taking various measures to prevent such deaths here.
However, more personnel are needed on the coastline starting from Neelankarai to Mamallapuram. Often huge crowds are seen at the beaches in Neelankarai, Injambakkam, Kovalam and Mamallapuram during weekends and festival holidays. “The Police department has to post more personnel here,” said S. Palani, a fisherman from Kattukuppam.
Often, youngsters are seen posing in front of high tides without realising the danger lurking behind, he said.
During Pongal holidays, a huge wave swept away two engineering students at Mamallapuram. Luckily, they were rescued by fishermen, he said.
Preventing instances of drowning along the lengthy coastline from Chennai to Mamallapuram has become a challenge for the police, say beach-goers.
“Most people understand the risk and stay clear once safety advice is given. Unfortunately, not everybody listens to the advice and some persons put themselves in danger,” said a senior police officer of Kancheepurm district.
“Playing with waves is extremely dangerous. Youngsters venture deep into the waters to take selfies. No photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for,” he said. People should be doubly careful at nights and during bad weather conditions, he added.
The police have undertaken various measures, including deployment of the famed mounted unit of the Chennai City Police, to prevent drowning off the Marina, the Elliot’s and the Thiruvanmiyur beaches. “This has to be extended to the other beaches,” a police officer said.
Local residents and fishermen familiar with the sea are likely to be roped in, especially on holidays, in the little known beaches along ECR, a police officer said, assuring that at least a few policemen will be posted to prevent drowning.
