As the year 2015 comes to a close and denizens of Ranchi begin preparations for welcoming the New Year, Ranchi police too have pulled up its socks to make sure that no untowardly incidents spoil the celebrations.
Police personnel have been stationed at picnic spots located inside and in city’s outskirts to prevent a bad start of the upcoming year for the revellers.
Within the city, the existing policing arrangements have been taken up a notch to curb disturbing elements. Drunkards will stopped from spoiling the celebrating mood and liquor shops will be closed within given time limit only, informed a senior city police official.
“We have stationed adequate policemen near picnic spots in the city. We will be looking for suspicious individuals and detain them if necessary so that they do not pose a threat to law and order. Police personnel in plain clothes will also keep an eye on these picnic spots,” stated Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hatia) Prashant Anand.
Picnic spots will be constantly watched by PCR vans and motorcycle-borne police personnel. Those violating traffic norms will be apprehended. The ongoing drive to identify and penalise rash and drunken drivers will also continue till January 2, added Anand.
“Traffic police have been provided breath analysers so prevent drunk drivers from getting into accidents. Since there are only six of them, we have sent them to junctions which see the most bulk of traffic. This way, most of the commuters can be checked and a message can be sent to remaining part of the city that such a drive is going on,” said the Hatia DSP.
Those going to tourist places in city’s countryside have also been secured. Policemen will keep a close watch on major tourist spots to keep mishaps at bay, assured police officials.
“We are on alert to. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure safe New Year celebrations at picnic spots in rural areas of Ranchi. Police forces will be present at all picnic spots where crowds gather in huge numbers. local police stations have been put on high alert as most tourist places are located in sensitive areas. They have been asked to patrol around these areas regularly,” stated Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rajkumar lakra.
The renowned waterfalls of Ranchi are famous among picnickers, and are equally accident-prone. Keeping this in mind, Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) has deployed local youths as Paryatak Mitras (tourist friends) at all waterfalls near Ranchi who will be responsible for security arrangements there.
A total of 96 Paryatak Mitras will man Dassam, Hundru, Jonha, Panchghagh, Sita and Hirni falls, assisting visitors and preventing accidents.
They can be identified by their uniforms which includes a safari suit with JTDC written on it and can be approached for help when needed.