In a stringent move to ensure safety during the New Year celebrations, the Ranchi district administration has announced a special enforcement drive targeting over-speeding and drunken driving. The campaign is scheduled to run for several days, commencing on December 30.
Strict On-the-Spot Penalties Announced
Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, after reviewing law and order preparations for December 31 and January 1, has issued clear directives to the police. Authorities have been instructed to immediately seize vehicles if drivers are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or exceeding speed limits.
An official statement released on Monday outlined the tough stance: "Intensive checking will be conducted for those driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Such vehicles will be seized and drivers will be made to walk, and action will be taken as per rules. Similarly, vehicles found racing on the roads or over-speeding will also be seized and drivers will be made to walk in public."
Multi-Pronged Safety Strategy for Revelry
The administration's plan extends beyond traffic violations. Deputy Commissioner Bhajantri emphasized that special surveillance will be deployed to prevent incidents of eve-teasing and harassment of women. He stated that directions have been issued for immediate legal action against anyone caught engaging in such acts.
To manage the expected crowds, adequate deployment of magistrates and police personnel has been ordered at all key locations. The DC also highlighted risks at picnic spots, noting, "At picnics, activities like boating without life jackets, swimming or water sports pose risks of accidents. Also, considering the possibility of anti-social elements taking advantage of the situation, the district administration is deploying magistrates and police officers."
Traffic Police's Operational Plan
Elaborating on the ground strategy, Traffic SP Rakesh Singh confirmed that patrolling will be intensified around hotels, restaurants, pubs, and other public places to deter drunken driving. Breathalysers will be actively used to detect intoxicated drivers.
To physically curb speeding, police will install zig-zag barricades at several points across the city, including the busy Main Road and Harmu Bypass. This measure is designed to force drivers to slow down.
Fog and Festivities: A Dangerous Period
Adding a broader perspective, Deputy Inspector General Dhananjaya Singh, a member of the state's road safety cell, pointed out that the period from December 15 to January 15 is considered particularly hazardous. This is due to a combination of fog, cold weather, and the festive revelry associated with Christmas and New Year.
He mentioned that instructions have been circulated to ensure strict compliance with basic safety norms: helmet usage for two-wheeler riders and seat belts for car occupants. Districts have also been asked to deploy sufficient personnel at popular picnic spots to manage traffic flow effectively. The DIG further advised that all vehicles must have proper functioning lights to help drivers spot obstacles on poorly lit roads during night travel.
The concerted effort by the administration and police underscores a determined push to prevent accidents and maintain public order as Ranchi rings in the New Year.
