Bengaluru Establishes Safety Booths for New Year Celebrations

Bengaluru: In anticipation of New Year celebrations, Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara announced the establishment of 15 safety booths across various locations in Bengaluru. These booths are designed to assist individuals who may find themselves in vulnerable situations after celebrating.

"Those who are in a dire state and are unable to walk will be first taken to the booths where they can sober up. Then their addresses will be taken down so that they can be dropped home safely. Not everyone will be dropped home. This step is being taken especially keeping in mind the safety of women," stated the Home Minister during a press briefing in Bengaluru.

The Home Minister emphasised that preparations have been made throughout all districts to ensure the safety of the public. He noted that areas such as Hubballi and Mangaluru often see large gatherings in public spaces during celebrations. Specific instructions have been issued to manage these crowds effectively.

"In Bengaluru, a lot of people from other states also gather to celebrate. As the clock strikes midnight, it is usual for individuals to exchange well-wishes, which contributes to an increase in crowd size. Therefore, necessary measures have been implemented to handle the expected influx of revellers," he added.

To enhance safety, around 150 to 160 locations within the city have been identified for drink and drive enforcement. The Home Minister highlighted strict directives for the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement personnel. These cameras will record interactions with the public and are linked to a command centre, ensuring immediate assistance can be deployed if required.

Authorities are optimistic that these initiatives will contribute to a safer environment for all attendees during the New Year festivities, reinforcing the government's commitment to public safety during significant events.