Magistrates & police deployed in city to ensure safe New Year

Patna: In preparation for the New Year festivities, the Patna district administration has rolled out comprehensive security and crowd management measures across the city. Over 125 magistrates and police officers were deployed at more than 104 key public locations, supported by armed forces, women’s police units, and lathi-equipped personnel, to ensure smooth crowd control, traffic management, and maintenance of law and order.District magistrate Thiyagrajan SM and senior superintendent of police Kartikeya K Sharma on Monday asked officials to remain highly vigilant during the celebrations. They stressed the need to promptly debunk rumours, activate social media monitoring cells, intensify patrolling through special mobile teams, and take strict action against biker gangs.“The focus is on excellent crowd management, seamless traffic flow and robust law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year for all,” the duo said. Quick response teams (QRTs) were stationed at major sites, including Eco Park, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna zoo), Gandhi Maidan, Kumhrar Park, Patna Junction, Mahavir Mandir, Iskcon temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir on Nehru Path and Patan Devi Mandir.Ambulances equipped with medical teams and essential medicines were deployed at high-footfall areas such as Eco Park gates, the Kumhrar excavation site, and Budh Marg.To prevent accidents, private boat operations on the Ganga river were completely banned from 6am on Dec 31, 2025, till 6pm on Jan 1, 2026, without prior permission. NDRF and SDRF teams will conduct intensive river patrolling, with four magistrates and police officers specifically assigned to enforce this restriction.Footpaths near picnic spots were cleared of encroachments to ensure safe pedestrian movement. Special attention was given to Mahatma Gandhi Setu, where large crowds were expected heading to the Diara areas across the river. Adequate forces were deployed to maintain smooth traffic flow on the bridge.Hotels and clubs anticipating heavy crowds will see intensified patrolling. Routes such as Atal Path and J P Ganga Path will have controlled vehicle entry with barricading from late Dec 31, 2025, into Jan 1, 2026, along with foot patrols.Station house officers and sub-divisional police officers were instructed to remain vigilant and proactive against potential disruptions by biker groups. The district control room maintained 24 magistrates on reserve in three shifts to respond promptly to any incident.