City cops mark pedestrian zones for safer New Year celebrations

Lucknow: Three key roads in the city will be made no-vehicle zone for New Year celebrations on Dec 31. They will be accessible only to pedestrians. They are one stretch in Gomtinagar, the road in front of Bada Imambara, and from Hazratganj crossing till the district magistrate’s residence. “These stretches witness massive footfall on New Year’s eve. Converting them into pedestrian-only zones will give people the freedom to walk, gather and celebrate without fear of speeding vehicles or parking chaos,” said joint commissioner of police (law & order) Babloo Kumar.

Several high-footfall areas were declared strict no-parking zones. Vehicle owners were directed to use only designated multilevel parking facilities.Busy commercial hubs, especially Hazratganj, will function as vehicle-free pedestrian zones, with complete restrictions on vehicular entry and rigorous challan proceedings against defaulters. Additional barricading will be installed at sensitive intersections.“Hotel, mall, restaurant and bar operators were strictly instructed not to exceed their licensed capacity. Ticket sales must adhere to approved limits, and all establishments must comply with prescribed closing times,” said Kumar.

Kumar said women police personnel in plain clothes will be deployed at places witnessing heavy footfall of women, including markets, malls, crossings, entertainment zones and other public spaces. “This will help discreet monitoring, deter misbehaviour and ensure that any untoward incident is immediately identified and controlled,” he said. Police force, PAC companies and special teams will be deployed across sensitive locations. Breath analyser checks will be conducted on major routes.Use of loudspeakers and sound systems will be regulated as per prescribed norms.