To ensure a safe and incident-free New Year’s celebration, the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) has announced a series of measures. These include a ban on fireworks, restrictions on public gatherings, and enhanced security across the city.
Fireworks Ban and Permissions for Gatherings
A complete ban on bursting firecrackers has been imposed for New Year’s Day to prevent accidents and disturbances. Residents planning celebrations in residential areas must obtain prior permission from the authorities to avoid noise-related inconveniences to neighbors.
Restricted Beach Access and Coastal Security
Public access to Chennai’s beaches will be curtailed from the evening of December 31 to January 1, 2025. Barricades will be placed along the coast, and police will patrol the area using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Cavalry units and drone cameras will also be deployed to monitor and enforce these restrictions, ensuring public safety.
Traffic and Road Safety Measures
To promote road safety, vehicle censor teams will monitor traffic at 425 key locations across the city. Thirty road safety teams equipped with essential tools will patrol on two-wheelers to assist motorists and respond to emergencies swiftly. Special surveillance teams have been deployed in hotspots to deter reckless driving and prevent illegal bike racing.
Enhanced Security at Public Places
Security arrangements have been ramped up at over 100 temples, churches, and public areas. Measures include increased police presence, CCTV surveillance, and crowd management to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent untoward incidents.
Guidelines for Motorists
Motorists traveling along key routes like ECR, OMR, and GST roads have been cautioned against reckless driving and loud disturbances. Strict enforcement of traffic regulations will be in place to maintain order and safety.
Emergency Assistance and Public Cooperation
Citizens are urged to cooperate with the police by adhering to the rules and reporting any disturbances or incidents. Complaints can be lodged via the Hello Police number (7200102104) or the Control Room’s special helplines (044-29540880, 044-29540555/777).