In preparation for the New Year, the Gujarat Police have ramped up surveillance across the state to ensure a safe environment for both residents and visitors. Special attention is being given to South Gujarat districts, including Valsad, Surat and Navsari, where increased vigilance aims to prevent any untoward incidents.
In districts bordering Union Territories like Daman and Diu, additional measures are in place to monitor travellers heading to these areas for New Year celebrations. Authorities are emphasising the need for strict adherence to prohibition laws and maintaining public order.
In Ahmedabad, the city police have issued specific guidelines to ensure peaceful celebrations. Authorities have warned that New Year’s parties must not result in offensive behaviour or indecent displays. Organisers will be held accountable for any violations.
The guidelines explicitly prohibit the consumption of alcohol, intoxicants and hookah at public celebrations. Organisers must ensure that those who have consumed alcohol or intoxicants illegally are not permitted entry, with legal action to follow if these rules are ignored.
The police have also imposed regulations on sound systems, advising organisers to ensure that noise levels remain considerate of neighbouring residents. Additionally, organisers are responsible for managing vehicle parking within club or event areas and must arrange for private security to oversee parking.
Over 8,000 Personnel Deployed
For New Year’s Eve, Ahmedabad will see a large police presence, with 8,139 personnel on duty. This will include two SRP companies, 3,100 Home Guards, 145 check posts, nine quick-response teams, 203 officers equipped with breathalysers and 34 towing trucks to manage illegal parking. Special arrangements will also see 2,324 police officers with body cameras and four bomb detection and disposal squads on standby.
In Valsad, Navsari and Surat, the police have intensified efforts to combat drunk driving and improve road safety. Valsad, which shares borders with Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli, has established 40 checkpoints across the district, focusing on both major and lesser-travelled routes.
Since its initiation in 2018, the district’s special drive has resulted in over 1,400 arrests for drunk driving. Surat has conducted inspections at over 100 farmhouses using drones and increased vehicle checks. In Navsari, police have arrested 425 individuals in recent days and held meetings with local businesses to discourage unlawful activities.
SHE Teams To Be Deployed
Special measures are also in place to ensure women’s safety during the celebrations. The Mahila Cell and SHE Teams will be deployed in greater numbers for patrols, plainclothes surveillance and monitoring hotspots where harassment may occur.
These teams will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to incidents of eve-teasing or harassment. Technology such as drones, body cameras, and live surveillance will be used to enhance security. Community engagement and feedback mechanisms will also be established to support women in distress and maintain a safe environment throughout the New Year festivities.
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