Bengaluru: Security will be tight at Cubbon Park on New Year's Eve on Sunday to prevent any untoward incidents. The Horticulture Department has taken measures to curb movement of vehicles and people inside the park from 8.30 pm.
Earlier this month Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association President Umesh Kumar had written a letter to Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, calling for maintenance of law and order on park premises. The letter had stated, "A large number of people congregates at M.G. Road to celebrate New Year’s Eve, leading to a spillover of a huge crowd in Cubbon Park." Cubbon Park Deputy Director Mahantesh Murgod has said that the park gates will remain shut from morning, except for walkers who attend the weekly musical programme from 6-10 am.
“Post 8:30 pm, no one will be allowed to walk or drive into the park. We have arranged for policemen at all the seven gates along with our existing private security guards," he added.
Clubs within park
In his letter Umesh had also complained that Century, Secretariat and Tennis clubs located within the park organise noisy New Year celebrations. "This will not only affect the flora and fauna, but pose a security threat to nearby High Court," he added.
When asked about rules for club members who may celebrate New Year on the park premises, Murgod told Deccan Chronicle that the people will be allowed to celebrate and continue their activities within the respective clubs, but entry will not be allowed after 8:30 pm.
No celebration at Nandi Hill
If you had planned to celebrate the New Year’s Eve on the famous Nandi Hill and Avala Betta, you may have to drop it as the police have denied entry to both places on Sunday and Monday.
SP Chikkaballapura Karthik Reddy said that the entry to Nandi Hill and Avala Betta is prohibited between Sunday 4 pm and Monday 8 am as a precautionary measure and to prevent any untoward incidents during the New Year celebrations.
He said that both places are hot favourites for youth from in and around Bengaluru. The restrictions have been in place during the New Year for the last four years to prevent any untoward incidents and to protect migratory birds during December and January as loud music may disturb the flora and fauna.
Mr Reddy said that dense fog during the night may pose danger for travellers. Adequate police personnel have been deployed in and around Nandi Hills and Avala Betta to prevent any illegal entry.
