NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES
PANAJI
Nakabandis are being conducted at more than 100 locations across Goa, with police patrols running continuously from evening hours till crowds disperse, the State’s top police officer said on Wednesday.
As authorities moved to secure Goa for New Year celebrations, the stepped-up measures formed part of a broader security plan that was activated ahead of Christmas and expanded for the year-end rush.
Director General of Police Alok Kumar said that around 700 newly trained personnel from the India Reserve Battalion had been pressed into service to strengthen the existing manpower.
“The IRB personnel are supplementing district police units in both North and South Goa,” he said, indicating that additional deployment has eased pressure on local police stations during one of the busiest periods of the year.
Police presence also increased across North and South Goa, particularly in beach belts, party hubs and other high-footfall areas, to manage traffic, prevent crime and respond quickly to emergencies.
Kumar stated that in all, nearly 3,500 police personnel had been deployed across the State to oversee New Year festivities and ensure public safety.
Specialised units including the Coastal Security Police, Tourist Police, Pink Force, Police Control Room teams, the Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Bomb Disposal and Dog Squad, were also deployed at sensitive locations and along major routes.
The focus, he added, is as much on prevention as on visibility. Traffic checks and enforcement against drunk driving have also been intensified, amid concerns over road accidents during late-night celebrations.
“I appeal to the public to strictly avoid drunken driving,” Kumar said, “We have repeatedly seen cases of drunk driving leading to serious accidents. Enforcement has been further intensified to prevent such incidents.”
