In a significant move to ensure public safety during New Year's Eve celebrations, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a unique initiative on Wednesday. The state government will provide a drop facility to transport heavily intoxicated individuals to their homes and has established 15 designated resting locations across key cities.
Safety Nets for Intoxicated Revellers
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara clarified that the service is specifically for those who are severely inebriated. "We will not drop everyone off at home. Those who have drunk heavily, who are unable to walk, and who have reached a state of losing consciousness will be taken," he stated. The identified individuals will first be taken to one of the 15 resting places until their intoxication subsides, after which they will be safely sent back.
The minister highlighted that the need for such measures is most acute in major urban hubs. The cases of people celebrating and getting intoxicated occur mainly in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mangaluru. He issued specific instructions to bars and pubs in these areas, acknowledging the large influx of people, including many from outside Karnataka, who come to these cities to celebrate.
Enhanced Security and Women's Safety Focus
Parameshwara placed special emphasis on the safety of women during the festivities. He expressed concern over the vulnerability of women who might lose consciousness due to excessive drinking. "Especially in the case of women, it is difficult to say what condition they may be in at that time. Some may be in a state of losing consciousness. Anything can happen at that moment," he said, explaining the rationale behind the precautionary measures.
To prevent any misuse of the situation and ensure overall security, the Home Minister revealed that all 30 districts in Karnataka have been put on alert. For crowd management and crime prevention, police personnel have been instructed to wear body cameras that will be directly linked to a central command centre, allowing for real-time monitoring and swift deployment of additional force if needed.
Comprehensive Police Deployment and Traffic Vigilance
Echoing the security preparations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar provided details of the arrangements in Bengaluru. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialised women squads, have been deployed across the city. Their focus will be on high-traffic areas and ensuring women's safety.
Shivakumar added that modern technology would be leveraged to monitor crowds and traffic flow. The police are also taking a strict stance on drink-driving, having identified 160 spots for checks. Parameshwara warned about the dangers, noting, "Up to a certain limit, it may be allowed, but once that limit is crossed, it becomes difficult to drive. Then accidents will occur... If we control the situation for two days, lives can be saved."
The security blueprint also considers threats beyond routine law and order. "When large crowds gather, we have to look at it from a different dimension -- even from a terrorist angle. Police will take action from all angles," Parameshwara concluded, underscoring the multi-layered approach to usher in the New Year safely.
