Drink, but not drive on 31st eve

MUMBAI: As Mumbaikars prepare to welcome the new year, authorities, especially law enforcement agencies, have made special arrangements to avoid any untoward incident and facilitate smoother movements for revellers and vehicles in the city.

“People must celebrate, but they have to abide by law,” Mumbai police commissioner AN Roy told reporters here, while briefing them about the arrangements.

Crowd management at popular sites like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive promenade, traffic regulation and checking cases of drunk driving are on top of the police agenda.

“I appeal that groups of revellers going out in vehicles should have at least one person who has not consumed alcohol so that they can reach home safely,” the commissioner said.

The police had intensified vehicle checking after a few incidents of drunk driving last month. They would be relying on breath analysers (to find out alcohol level in the blood) and manual checking to curb such instances.

“Police will also be keeping a close watch to avoid any subversive activities by anti-social elements,” he said.

The good news for the party-goers is that the authorities have extended the deadlines for bursting crackers, playing loudspeakers and hotels to remain open.

“Music can be played till 1:30 am while the bars and restaurants have been allowed to remain open till 5 am,” Mr Roy said, adding that bursting of fire crackers is allowed till midnight.

The traffic department has also made elaborate arrangements for the new year eve, with the closure of three roads for vehicular traffic, one-way traffic on seven roads and parking restrictions on seven roads, an official said.

“We expect large crowds to gather at Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Juhu beach and other beaches as well as hotels and clubs. Hence, we have decided to regulate traffic movements near these spots,” he said.

Mr Roy said the police were keeping an eye on possession and sale of narcotics during the weekend.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Anti-Narcotic Cell said sleuths will be visiting places where use of drugs is possible and closely monitor new year parties in Mumbai and adjacent areas.

The Western Railway will ply two extra services between Churchgate and Virar stations so that revellers can return home late into the night, an official release said.