No new year bashes beyond 12:30 am in Mumbai

In the wake of terror attacks, Mumbai police have decided not to allow new year celebrations beyond 12:30 am.

In the wake of the last month’s terror attacks, Mumbai police have decided not to allow new year celebrations beyond 12:30 am saying there will be heavy security at public hangouts, specially at Gateway of India.

Revellers will not be allowed to linger at famous seafronts like Gateway of India, Girgaon Chowpatty, Shivaji Park, Aksa beach after 12:30 am where CCTVs, watchtowers, bunkers, barricading would be put up.

Policemen in plain cloths will be among the crowd, keeping an eye on hooligans and troublemakers.

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“Though celebrations are likely to be low-key affair as people are expected not to go high on welcoming the new year, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure security at places including Gateway of India,” Additional Commissioner of Police (South Region) K Venkatesham said.

“We want to ensure that no untoward incident occurred during the new year celebrations across the city,” Venkatesham said.

The city has been on high alert since November 26 terror strikes that left over 180 people dead and injured more than 300.

Though the police are maintaining that there would be sufficient policemen at hangouts, sources say in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, the level of security checks at public places will be at an all-time high.

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“Many are still feared to come out and celebrate at Gateway of India. To instill confidence among the people, there is a need of police presence in large numbers. Hence this time around one can see that the number of policemen would be more than sufficient numbers,” a senior police official said.

The Gateway of India, a famous Mumbai landmark where thousands gather to welcome new year, will resemble a fortress with CCTVs, watchtowers, bunkers and barricading arrangements. Suspicious persons would be frisked, Venkatesham said.

Almost half the area around the landmark is barricaded due to a major repairing work being undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

“It’s not because of terror strikes, but because of repairing work, some portion of the landmark is barricaded,” said Venkatesham.

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No fire crackers, food, water bottles, plastic bottles, banned substance and alcohol will be allowed at the hangouts.

The road connecting to Marine Drive via Mantralaya (State Secretariat) will be sealed. Parking of the vehicles near Gateway of India would not be allowed.

Separate entry and exit points and enclosures would be arranged for families and single persons coming to attend the celebrations.

Barricading at the Gateway of India will start from Regal Cinema and extended up to Radio Club.

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Policemen in patrol boats with powerful searchlights will keep vigil on cruise liners and private boats in and around the Marina.