Cops gear up for New Year’s Eve

As the city gears up to welcome the New Year, the Delhi Police have implemented security arrangements across the city to ensure safety, smooth celebrations and effective crowd management, officials said on Monday.

Advertisement

DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said additional patrolling and specialised units had been deployed across key areas to maintain law and order.

“Security checkpoints with breath analyzers have been set up at 21 strategic locations to regulate vehicular movement and prevent any incidents related to drunk driving. Quick reaction teams (QRTs) are stationed across 15 critical points, while 38 PCR vans have been strategically placed to ensure rapid mobility and response to emergencies,” he said.

To further tighten vigilance, 70 strong pickets fortified with barricades and breath analyzers are monitoring traffic and identifying suspicious movements. Celebration venues, including 31 key locations, are under enhanced security coverage, while 15 malls, motels, cinema halls and other popular gathering spots are being strictly monitored. Security has also been reinforced at bus stops and critical road routes, with personnel deployed on 40 motorcycles to ensure quick response times. Additionally, eight prominent hotels here are under heightened surveillance, he added.

DCP Chauhan said the deployment comprises seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 40 inspectors, 223 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, along with 130 female personnel.

In the neighboring South West District, DCP Surendra Choudhary outlined a similarly comprehensive plan to handle the influx of crowds.

He said 27 traffic checking points with barricades and breath analyzers had been set up, while 14 quick reaction teams had been deployed across sensitive areas.

“Sixteen PCR vans are strategically positioned for quick response and 57 strong pickets with barricades are monitoring traffic and identifying potential risks,” said the DCP.

Special attention has been laid on 35 key celebration venues and 15 crowded public spaces such as malls, motels and cinema halls. Public transit points, including 21 bus stops, are being manned by adequate personnel to prevent untoward incidents. Vulnerable routes are being patrolled by staff on 60 motorcycles, ensuring consistent monitoring and quick intervention when necessary. Eight prominent hotels are also under heightened security, while Hauz Khas Village, a major party hub, has been assigned high-visibility deployment to ensure smooth and safe celebrations, he added.

In the South West district, seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 38 inspectors, 329 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors and 161 female personnel have been deployed.

In New Delhi district, arrangements have been divided into two zones under the supervision of senior officers. Zone 1 covers areas like Parliament Street and Connaught Place, while Zone 2 includes Chanakya Puri, Barakhamba Road and Tughlak Road.

A total of 648 police personnel, 100 Home Guard jawans and 11 companies of the CAPF had been deployed, said DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla.

“Ambulance, fire tenders, jail vans, bomb disposal squads and SWAT teams will also be on standby. Traffic management will play a crucial role, with buses heading towards Connaught Place being diverted from 7 PM onwards. The exit gates of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station will be closed after 9 PM to prevent overcrowding. Strict checks will be conducted for violations of excise laws and public intoxication, with medical teams and excise inspectors deployed to monitor and enforce regulations,” he said.