Ramanathapuram district Collector Natarajan today held discussions with officials prelude to the conduct of "Mahamaham festival" at Jatamakuta Theertham on February 22.
The Collector 1000 police personnel would be deployed for security.
About four lakh people are expected to participate in the festival.
The Collector also inspected the amenities provided for the pilgrims along with the Joint Commissioner of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple C Selvaraj and superintendent of Police Manivannan.
The Collector also held discussions with Coast Guard, Coastal Marine Police and police officials regarding the arrangements for pilgrims going to Katchativu for the celebration of the St Anthony Church festival on February 22.
Natarajan said 93 boats would leave from the harbour and each boat would carry about 35 people.
He said all the Pilgirms would be given ID cards.
Strict instructions had been given to the boat owners not to go without valid permit to the island and severe action would be taken if any pilgrim tried to reach Katchativu from any other place except harbour office.
The Coast Guard Deputy Commander Bablu Kumar said one ship would be deployed at IMBL and two ships and three hover craft boat would go along with the Pilgirms and give them protection.
All the pilgrims would have life jacket.
