Devotees Urge 24/7 Police Patrols on Tiruvannamalai's Girivalam Path
Devotees and residents are calling for continuous police patrols on Tiruvannamalai's Girivalam Path to combat petty crimes and enhance safety. This appeal follows recent encroachment demolitions and a surge in visitors during the 'Aadi' festival season.
Key takeaways
- Devotees and residents of Tiruvannamalai are calling for continuous police patrols on the Girivalam Path.
- The demand aims to enhance public safety and prevent petty crimes, particularly during nighttime hours.
- Increased visitor numbers during the 'Aadi' festival season have heightened concerns.
- The State Highways Department is undertaking a drive to remove encroachments along the path.
- A decision on 24/7 patrols awaits approval from the District Collector and Superintendent of Police.
Residents and devotees walking the Girivalam Path in Tiruvannamalai are requesting constant police surveillance to safeguard against nighttime petty crimes. The 'Aadi' festival season has brought an increase in visitors, particularly from neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, to the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
The Girivalam Path is accessible at all hours, leading many devotees to use it in the early morning and evening. A consistent police presence is sought to ensure the safety of individuals using the path, especially during these times.
This demand for enhanced security comes as the State Highways Department, under the direction of District Collector Vandana Garg, is demolishing encroachments along the path. This demolition drive is part of a second phase, with the entire nine km stretch expected to be cleared within two days. Previously, illegal structures along a five km section were removed in anticipation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit.
The town currently experiences over one lakh visitors daily during the 'Aadi' season. While measures like designated parking on the outskirts, health help desks, and ambulances are in place for emergencies, the absence of visible police patrols at night remains a concern for walkers.
An incident in June, where police arrested a six-member gang for an attempted sexual assault on the path, has further highlighted the need for increased security. Law and order meetings at the Collectorate have previously addressed the necessity for night patrols.
Corporation officials believe that round-the-clock police patrols could also deter new encroachments, such as roadside eateries and pushcarts that obstruct the tiled footpaths.
While regular patrolling occurs, police sources indicate that 24/7 surveillance would require additional personnel, likely from the Armed Reserve (AR) wing. A final decision on implementing such patrols rests with District Collector Vandana Garg and Superintendent of Police R. Uthayakumar, with authorities awaiting their approval.
Sources reviewed
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