Traffic diversions will operate near Kasimedu signal for 15 days from October 1 to allow repairs to a damaged sewage pipeline at the S N Chetty Road–Jeevarathinam Road junction.

Buses and heavy vehicles travelling towards Ennore on the outgoing side will use Jeevarathinam Road, VP Koil Street and TH Road. Two-wheelers and light motor vehicles heading towards Ennore will follow the same route, make a U-turn near metro rail pillar 12 on TH Road, and proceed via Balakrishna Street.

The Greater Chennai Corporation will divert around 700 Vinayaka idols from planned immersion sites at Palavakkam and Pattinapakkam: 450 from Palavakkam to Kovalam and 250 from Pattinapakkam to Ennore. The decision followed concerns that Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai fall within the CRZ-I area, and discussions about the practical implications of excluding them.

The Corporation had initially identified Pattinapakkam, Thiruvottiyur, Kasimedu and Palavakkam as immersion locations. After concerns that some may lie in a CRZ-prohibited area, the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority was asked to examine the sites and identify alternatives. The Corporation cited procession routes, traffic, police deployment, public safety, emergency access and possible law-and-order difficulties as concerns.

The National Green Tribunal directed compliance with CPCB guidelines and prior orders of the Tribunal, Supreme Court and Madras High Court. Coastal immersion sites require CRZ clearance from the TNSCZMA; officials’ participation in meetings does not constitute clearance. The State must file an affidavit assuring compliance next year; it sought time after failing to file it on Thursday. The NGT ordered compliance this year too. The Corporation will coordinate traffic, crowd management, safe immersion and waste removal.