Authorities in Maharashtra implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure that New Year's Eve celebrations in key cities like Nashik and Kolhapur concluded peacefully and without major incident. A significant police presence was visible across urban and rural centres to deter crime, especially drunk driving, and manage large crowds.
Stringent Police Arrangements Across Jurisdictions
In Nashik, the police force operated under the direct guidance of City Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik and Nashik Rural SP Balasaheb Patil. Their primary focus was to prevent offences like drunk driving and ensure public order. A similar scene unfolded in Kolhapur, where heavy police deployment was reported at major market areas, shopping malls, restaurants, and along the National Highway.
Nashik's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Kirankumar Chavan, provided details of the operation. He stated that maximum police personnel were deployed on the streets after 7:30 PM on Wednesday. To bolster their numbers, the police also enlisted the assistance of 1,000 home guards for street patrols. Officers were equipped with breath analysers to conduct widespread checks for drink driving.
Excise Vigilance and Public Sentiment
The state excise department played a crucial role in regulating liquor consumption. In Nashik district, the department issued a substantial number of one-day permits: 50,000 for country liquor and another 75,000 for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). These permits, issued for a fee at liquor outlets, were part of the regulated approach. In Kolhapur, the excise department heightened vigilance at all checkposts to monitor illegal transport.
Amidst the security measures, the festive and spiritual spirit remained high. The revered Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur attracted devotees throughout the day, who offered gratitude for the past year and sought blessings for the new one. Many also visited the historical Panhala fort and the Masai plateau to witness the last sunset of the year.
At Panhala Fort, police took strict action against violations. Assistant Inspector Annaso Babar of the Panhala police station confirmed that action was taken against people consuming liquor in the open, transporting illegal liquor, and engaging in drunk, speeding, or triple-seat driving, considering the location's historical significance.
Community Initiatives Mark the Occasion
The evening was also marked by heartwarming community efforts. The Kolhapur Dream Team Foundation, a group of college students, distributed blankets to homeless people on New Year's Eve. Various social groups organised blood donation camps and distributed milk, tea, and biscuits. In a unique awareness drive, the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti promoted the idea of welcoming the New Year by drinking milk instead of alcohol.
The coordinated efforts between law enforcement, government departments, and civil society groups ensured that the transition into the new year was both celebratory and secure for the residents of Nashik and Kolhapur.
