Authorities in Ranchi and Khunti districts have significantly heightened security and safety protocols at popular waterfalls and picnic destinations ahead of the New Year celebrations. The move aims to ensure strict law and order and protect the safety of the thousands of revellers expected to flock to these scenic spots.
Enhanced Vigilance at Key Tourist Destinations
The administrations are focusing on a list of well-known locations around Ranchi city, including Jonha Falls, Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls, Patratu Dam, and Getalsud Dam. In the Khunti district, attention is on Remix Falls, Rani Falls, and Panchghagh Falls. These sites are traditional favourites for year-end picnics and gatherings.
In a proactive step, the district administration recently held meetings with the committee members responsible for Dassam Falls and Remix Fall. Officials instructed the members to identify and clearly mark dangerous zones around the waterfalls using paint and red ribbons. To bolster emergency preparedness, the committees have been supplied with ropes and tubes to aid in potential rescue operations.
Multi-Pronged Safety and Regulation Drive
The committee members have been entrusted with additional responsibilities to manage the expected crowds effectively. They have been directed to ensure organized parking at the venues and to strictly prevent the use of alcohol and plastic materials. Furthermore, they are tasked with running awareness campaigns on two critical issues: the importance of wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers and educating the public about the ill-effects of poppy plant cultivation.
Elaborating on the police arrangements, Ranchi SP (Rural) Praveen Pushkar stated, "We have deployed police personnel at the important waterfalls. Police patrolling has also been intensified on the routes leading to the tourist spots." He highlighted that special checking would be conducted on the Pithoria-Patratu route, a stretch notorious for youths performing bike stunts and violating traffic rules.
Public Announcements and Magisterial Patrolling
To prevent accidents, public announcement systems will be operational at the waterfalls to warn tourists against venturing into deep or hazardous waters. SP Pushkar also mentioned that the 'paryatak mitra' (tourist friends) stationed at these sites have been specially sensitized on all aspects of tourist safety.
The administrative machinery is also in full gear. Ranchi Sub-Divisional Officer Utkarsh Kumar informed that circle officers would act as magistrates for the tourist spots within their jurisdictions and have been ordered to commence patrolling. Echoing similar measures in Khunti, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Varun Rajak confirmed that police force deputation has been arranged at all major picnic spots and patrolling is actively ongoing in these areas.
The concerted efforts by the police and civil administration reflect a determined approach to ensure that the New Year festivities are celebrated with joy while prioritizing the safety and security of all visitors at Jharkhand's beloved natural attractions.
