Ahead of New Year celebrations, Gujarat Police have deployed State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) jawans at key inter-state entry points to curb illegal liquor supply and stop revellers from driving back into the state in a drunken condition.
More than 9,000 police personnel will be on duty in the city to monitor New Year festivities. SRPF units have been stationed along the borders with Rajasthan, Diu and Daman, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Director General of Police Vikas Sahay said the focus this year is not only on preventing liquor inflow but also on public safety. “Extensive checks have been ordered at clubs, farmhouses and other suspicious locations. Police commissioners of Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara have been asked to deploy extra force as large crowds are expected,” he said. He added that strict instructions have been issued to ensure the safety of women and children, with zero tolerance for drugs, liquor and other illegal activities.
City turns fortress
In Ahmedabad alone, 9,040 police personnel have been deployed as part of the New Year bandobast. The force includes five senior officers of JCP and additional CP rank, 16 DCPs, 26 ACPs, 115 inspectors, 225 sub-inspectors, around 5,000 head constables and constables, two SRPF companies and 3,500 Home Guard jawans.
Police commissioner GS Malik said the city is under round-the-clock surveillance, with special focus on drunk driving, street crime and crowd control.
Police have deployed advanced tools and special teams, including nine Quick Response Teams, 443 breath analysers, 38 speed guns, surveillance cameras, 34 cranes to remove obstructing vehicles, 123 PCR vans, 112 emergency vehicles, four Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, and 71 SHE teams. As many as 63 checkpoints have been set up across the city, along with 14 check posts at entry and exit points.
Additionally, 2,560 body-worn cameras have been issued to personnel, with 238 providing live feeds to the control room. Footage from over 4,000 cameras will be reviewed after the celebrations.
Green crackers for 35 minutes only
People will be allowed to burst eco-friendly crackers only for 35 minutes, between 11.55 pm on December 31 and 12.30 am on January 1. Malik said foot patrols have been intensified in sensitive areas. “Any attempt to disturb law and order will be dealt with swiftly and strictly,” he warned.