Thousands of devotees flocked to the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday to take part in the final aarti of the year. Long queues of worshippers waited patiently to offer prayers and seek blessings for the upcoming year, with the temple witnessing a surge of pilgrims from all over the country. The gathering marked a spiritual and auspicious start to New Year celebrations.
Praveen Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ayodhya, assured devotees that robust security and logistical arrangements were in place to ensure a seamless experience for all. Emphasizing the meticulous planning in Ayodhya, he said, “All arrangements have been made across the state. In Ayodhya, we are ensuring that the pilgrims do not face any inconvenience. The SOPs have been put in place to maintain security.”
Meanwhile, in the national capital, Delhi Police outlined an extensive security plan to manage the anticipated large crowds at popular spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar. To promote road safety and curb drunk driving, 27 checkpoints have been set up, equipped with personnel using breath analyzers.
Additionally, 14 Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and 16 Police Control Room (PCR) vans have been stationed at key locations for swift response to emergencies. Special attention is being paid to 35 celebration venues and 15 high-footfall areas, including malls, motels, and cinema halls, all of which are under strict surveillance.
The deployed police force includes seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 38 Inspectors, 329 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and 161 female officers. To enhance safety, regular beat and vehicle patrols have been scheduled to maintain high visibility and quick response capabilities.
Authorities have urged the public to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with security personnel. Any suspicious activities should be promptly reported to nearby officers or through the helpline number 112, officials stated.
New Year celebrations, particularly in urban areas, are a time of great enthusiasm across India. However, the festivities often coincide with a rise in alcohol consumption, sometimes leading to an increase in cases of alcohol smuggling.
