Revellers were allowed to enter Brigade Road from M.G Road through the two Door Frame Metal Detectors.
Representational image
Bengaluru: Thousands of frenzied revellers welcomed 2016 and bid adieu to 2015 on Thursday midnight on Brigade Road in the city. Unlike last year, this time the lights were switched off for few seconds before the clock struck 12, but the police ensured safety, especially of women, and averted stampedes and other untoward incidents.
Revellers were allowed to enter Brigade Road from M.G Road through the two Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) from 8 pm onwards. They could only walk one-way towards the Opera Threatre side. Parking was prohibited on Brigade Road from 4 p.m. all through the New Year night.
Except for watering holes, eateries, pubs, clubs, and party halls, that remained open until 1:00 am, all other commercial establishments shut shop at around 8 pm.
In order to prevent untoward incidents, few previous years where police had to resort to lathi charge, the Brigade Shoppers Establishment Association had installed audio speakers through which announcements were made instructing the revellers to ensure smooth movement of the festivities of the crowd.
“There was soft music played by the audio systems installed by the Brigade Road Shoppers Association. Lakhs of visitors have visited the Brigade Road on this New Year's Eve,” said Suhail Yosuf, Secretary of Brigade Road Shoppers Association.
There were two high-resolution cameras covering the entire stretch of Brigade Road that were set up by the association whose control and access were handed over to the police by the association. Along with several other cameras around, the police recorded the entire festivities that happened on Brigade road since 6 p.m. until the revelers unwound at about 1 am. Apart from the crowded Brigade Road, party hubs at Vittal Mallya Road, Residency Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and Kammanahalli also saw New Year revellers.
Brisk liquor sales
Liquor sales soared on December 31 in Bengaluru. Wine stores along with MRP outlets witnessed spurt in liquor sales. Wine stores were reportedly stocking thrice the quantity of a regular day’s stock.
Cops keep close watch
Security was beefed up on M.G. Road and Brigade Road with over 1,000 policemen deployed to maintain law and order in and surrounding Brigade Road. Quick Response Teams and the Bomb detection squad along with dog squads were at work since noon. Traffic policemen who wanted to book minimum drunk driving cases and accidents on New Year's Eve while patrolling in the area ensured that people did not drink in parked cars.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
