Ranchi ushered in the New Year with remarkable peace and order, thanks to extensive and meticulous security arrangements put in place by the district administration. The celebrations on Thursday passed without any reported untoward incidents, with officials maintaining a high level of vigilance throughout the day and into the late evening.
Comprehensive Security Blanket Across the City
The district administration left nothing to chance for the New Year revelries. A foolproof security plan was activated to prevent mishaps and maintain law and order. Executive magistrate Md Jafar Hasnaat, who was managing operations from the district control room, confirmed the successful outcome, stating that no incidents were reported from any part of the district.
Magistrates and police forces were strategically positioned at more than 60 key locations across Ranchi. The police were particularly active in conducting checking drives to curb speeding, drunk driving, and other violations that typically spike during celebrations.
Focus on Popular and Remote Picnic Spots
Recognizing the tradition of day-long picnics, the administration deployed special teams at 27 popular tourist and picnic destinations. These included well-known spots such as:
- Rock Garden and Kanke Dam
- Sidhhu Kanho Park and Macchli Park
- Nakshtra Van and Dhurwa Dam
- Deori Mandir and Surya Mandir
- Hundru Falls, Johna Falls, and Sita Falls
- Rukka Dam and Patratu Valley
In addition to these, police personnel were also stationed at 36 lesser-known spots to ensure no area was overlooked. An additional force was allocated to over a dozen police stations to act as a stand-by, ready to respond to any situation.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Issues
The administration took several proactive steps to mitigate risks. SP (rural) Praveen Pushkar explained that all picnickers in remote areas were appealed to vacate the spots before sunset. This measure was crucial to prevent potential law and order problems, such as eve-teasing, especially on routes passing through forested areas.
Officials on the ground had clear instructions to enforce safety protocols strictly. They were tasked with ensuring that no boating, water sports, or swimming took place without life jackets. They were also directed to prevent rash driving and any crimes against women.
To handle medical emergencies, four fully-equipped ambulances with doctors, medical teams, and medicines were stationed at the control room, ensuring a rapid response capability.
Sustained Vigilance for Continued Peace
The successful management of New Year's Day has not led to complacency. Executive magistrate Md Jafar Hasnaat affirmed that the administration would continue to keep a close watch on Friday as well, ensuring the peaceful atmosphere is sustained.
The coordinated effort between the magistrates, police, and medical teams created a secure environment that allowed citizens to celebrate responsibly. The incident-free celebration stands as a testament to the district administration's detailed planning and effective on-ground execution of security measures for Ranchi's New Year festivities.
