Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said the state government has put in place special arrangements to ensure public safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations, including dropping “heavily drunk” persons safely to their homes and providing temporary resting facilities until their intoxication wears off.
Addressing reporters, the Home Minister said the government has identified 15 locations where such individuals can be accommodated if they are found to be in no condition to walk or take care of themselves. The measure, he said, is aimed at preventing accidents, harassment and other untoward incidents during large-scale celebrations.
Facilities for heavily intoxicated persons
Clarifying the scope of the initiative, Parameshwara said the facility would not be extended to everyone who consumes alcohol. “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 care of. We have set up resting places at 15 locations. They will be kept there until the intoxication wears off and then sent back,” he said.
The Home Minister added that the police would assess the condition of such individuals and take appropriate action, either arranging transport to their homes or ensuring they rest safely at designated centres.
Focus on major cities
Parameshwara noted that incidents of excessive drinking and large street celebrations are more common in certain urban centres. He said such activity is usually seen in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru, while many other districts remain relatively calm during New Year celebrations.
“In some districts, such activity does not occur. But in places like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru, there will be activity. People come out onto the streets to enjoy themselves,” he said.
He pointed out that Bengaluru, in particular, witnesses a large influx of people from outside the city during New Year’s Eve, leading to heavy crowds in public places, pubs and entertainment hubs.
Emphasis on women’s safety
Highlighting concerns around women’s safety, the Home Minister said special precautions are being taken to prevent any misuse of vulnerable situations. “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. That is why we have made arrangements and taken precautionary measures,” he said.
He added that all 30 districts in the state have been put on alert, with specific instructions to police to ensure that women and children are protected during the celebrations.
Instructions to bars and pubs
Parameshwara said the government has issued clear instructions to bars, pubs and event organisers to strictly follow rules and avoid overcrowding. He noted that crowded venues and intoxicated patrons can easily lead to pushing, jostling and other risky situations if not properly managed.
The state government, he said, is closely monitoring arrangements to avoid mishaps in crowded places and ensure orderly celebrations.
Strict action against drink-and-drive
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving, the Home Minister said cases would be registered against offenders as per law. Police have identified around 160 locations for checking drink-and-drive violations.
“Up to a certain limit, it may be allowed, but once that limit is crossed, it becomes difficult to drive. Then accidents will occur. They may die, and they may cause the deaths of others. If we control the situation for two days, lives can be saved,” he said.
Enhanced surveillance and security
Parameshwara said the police have been instructed to wear body cameras while on duty, with live connectivity to the command centre. This, he said, would help in monitoring situations in real time and enable quicker deployment of additional forces if required.
“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. If more force is required, it will be deployed,” he added.
Large-scale deployment announced
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also outlined the security arrangements in place for New Year celebrations. In a post on X, he said that over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialised women squads, have been deployed across Bengaluru.
According to Shivakumar, the police will focus on high-traffic areas and women’s safety, while modern technology will be used to monitor crowds and traffic movement. Measures are also in place to prevent unsafe driving and other risks associated with large gatherings.
Preventive approach for safe celebrations
The state government’s measures reflect a preventive approach aimed at minimising risks during one of the busiest nights of the year. By combining strict enforcement, welfare-oriented steps for intoxicated individuals and enhanced surveillance, the authorities hope to ensure that celebrations remain safe and incident-free.
In conclusion, Parameshwara said public cooperation would be crucial for the success of these measures and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, follow the law and prioritise safety for themselves and others.