In preparation for the grand Chithirai festival, various government agencies, especially the civic authorities, have made strenuous efforts to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the Masi streets and the procession route of Lord Kallazhagar. Corporation Commissioner C. Dinesh Kumar acknowledged the significance of maintaining a spotless environment throughout the festival, particularly given the massive crowds and traditional practices of serving food and beverages.
To achieve this, preparatory works were undertaken to clean the roads and streets before the events and to swiftly clean them up after each event concluded. The sheer volume of attendees and the customary distribution of food led to littering of the streets, necessitating the clearance of an additional 1,200 tonnes of waste between April 12th and 23rd. This was made possible not only through meticulous planning and supervision but also through the relentless efforts of conservancy workers who toiled day and night.
The corporation deployed 2,874 workers, including 800 additional hands, to ensure the cleanliness of the area. These workers were organized into three shifts, each assigned specific stretches of roads and streets to work continuously without interruption. Over 100 officials, comprising City Health Officers, supervisors, sanitary inspectors, and health officers, oversaw the laborious work. This was crucial as waste had to be cleared within an hour from the procession route to prevent the outbreak of any disease. Additionally, the presence of flies feasting on leftover food posed a serious health concern.
To facilitate waste disposal, the civic authorities provided trailers at designated spots. Bleaching powder and limestone powder were sprayed as precautionary measures, and lemon grass oil, a disinfectant that also emits a pleasant smell, was utilized. Drinking water, toilet facilities, and medical camps were also provided. Ambulances with advanced life support (ALS) facilities were stationed during the Tirukalynam and Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the Vaigai river. The ALS proved invaluable in saving the life of a person who was injured in an attack.
