The Chandigarh Police has unveiled a comprehensive and multi-layered security blueprint for the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, placing a special emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of women across the city. The plan involves the deployment of a significant police force, dedicated women's safety teams, and strict traffic regulations to facilitate orderly and secure festivities.
Special Focus on Women's Safety with Lady Squads and PCRs
At the heart of the security arrangements is the formation of a special lady squad comprising 20 women police personnel. This team will be equipped with vehicles and tasked with maintaining law and order in sensitive and high-footfall areas such as popular pubs, shopping malls, and bustling marketplaces. Their presence is specifically aimed at assisting women in distress and ensuring a secure environment.
In a parallel initiative to bolster women's safety, lady-staffed Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles will be stationed at seven strategic locations throughout Chandigarh. These units will offer pick-and-drop assistance to women, providing a secure mode of transportation and ensuring a rapid response to any emergencies that may arise during the night's celebrations.
Massive Police Deployment and City-Wide Security Grid
To maintain overall law and order, the Chandigarh Police will deploy a massive force of 1,000 personnel, which is in addition to the dedicated traffic and PCR staff. This force will be supervised by 12 gazetted officers, 20 inspectors, and 16 Station House Officers (SHOs).
The city's security net will be tightened with the establishment of 18 outer checkpoints (nakas), 44 internal nakas, and 16 joint traffic nakas. For enhanced visibility and emergency preparedness, six high-intensity "Aska lights" will be installed, fire tenders will be positioned at five locations, and three hydraulic ladders will be kept on standby. The Central Reserve Force will also be deployed at the Police Headquarters in Sector 9 to provide additional support.
Stringent Traffic Regulations and Drunken Driving Checks
The Chandigarh Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory, declaring several key areas as restricted vehicle zones from 9:30 PM on December 31 until 2:00 AM on January 1. The restricted stretches include the inner market roads of Sectors 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, and 22, the road from Aroma light point to the small chowk in Sector 22, and the vicinity around Elante Mall. Traffic around Elante Mall will be regulated via a one-way system.
Residents needing access to their homes in these zones must carry valid identity and residence proof. The police will conduct a special drive against all traffic violations, with strict legal action, including possible suspension of driving licenses, for offenders. The advisory explicitly warns against drinking in public places, creating noise pollution through vehicle exhausts, and indulging in hooliganism.
Special nakas will be set up across the city to catch drivers under the influence of alcohol, with surprise checks planned to deter drunken driving. The integrated measures by the Chandigarh Police are designed to ensure that the city rings in the New Year safely and peacefully, with particular attention to the convenience and security of all citizens, especially women.
