Chennai: Playing drums, percussion instruments and devotional songs atop mini vans and trucks, hundreds of devotees took out to the sea on Sunday for immersion of Vinayagar idols.The idols, several of which towered over 8ft from the base, were lowered using cranes as devotees danced and raised slogans around. Within the city, idol immersions were carried out at six locations in Tiruvottiyur, Kasimedu, Ennore, Pattinapakkam and Neelangarai. A total of 16000 police personnel, 2000 home guards and three teams of firefighting personnel were deployed.While festive energy filled the air on one hand, several environmental norms were flouted. Despite Central Pollution Control Board mandate to disallow idols made of plaster of paris (PoP) for immersion in sea, several puja teams sported idols made of PoP. At the loop road in Pattinapakkam and Neelangarai beach, for instance, remains of idols made of PoP and straws were found floating on the beach.Additionally, ornaments and garlands were not removed from idols before immersion. Several devotees broke the line and immersed their idols by themselves at unidesignated spots.“Arrangements have been inadequate. There are just two cranes and more than 300 idols have arrived at the venue, several of which are 10ft high. ” said Vishnupriyan from K K Kalinga Boys Puja team.When asked, an official from the corporation said initially, 4 cranes were supposed to be sent to Loop Road. “However, of about 450 idols that were supposed to come to Loop Road, several were asked to be taken to Kasimedu. There were uncertainties over whether the location (Pattinapakkam) will be allowed for immersion this year. The estimates were revised,” the official said.TNPCB officials said that they would carry out a test of water samples on Monday.