Mumbai and police gear up for New Year’s eve

Mumbai : As this happening city readies with excitement to ring in the New Year, the city police too are gearing up to ensure that the celebrations Dec 31 night are not marred by any untoward incidents.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Nisar Tamboli, nearly 70 percent of Mumbai’s 40,000-strong police force has been deployed for maintaining law and order in the city.

“Extra police personnel will be deployed at spots infamous for eve teasing,” he said.

Another senior official also said that special enclosures will be made for women revellers at Gateway of India, where people gather in large numbers to usher in the New Year.

However, this year too, boat parties have not been allowed at Gateway of India shore owing to security reasons, the official said.

“CCTV cameras installed at most party spots will help nab miscreants and troublemakers across the city. Policemen in plain clothes, including women officials in civil dress, will also be a part of the crowds to answer any panic call by women revellers,” the official said.

Similar arrangements will be made at beaches of Juhu, Girgaum Chowpaty, Dadar and seafronts like Marine Lines and Haji Ali.

A special drive to nab drunken drivers will also be undertaken by traffic police in order to reduce the number of accidents that take place in the early hours of the New Year.

Hotels and restaurants across the city have been permitted to play music within their establishments till 1.30 a.m, and will be allowed to remain open till 5 a.m.

Organisers of various parties have also been informed to arrange for enhanced security measures to avoid any ugly incidents.