‘Too drunk to walk? We’ll drop you home’: Karnataka plans rescue drops for New Year
Karnataka government will provide transport for heavily intoxicated individuals to their homes on New Year's Eve, with 15 resting locations set up. Special attention is being given to women's safety and preventing drink-driving, with over 20,000 police personnel deployed across the state.
BENGALURU: Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said that the state government will drop "heavily drunk" people to their homes amid New Year's Eve celebrations, according to an ANI report.Addressing reporters, he said the government has set up 15 locations where people can rest until their intoxication subsides.Parameshwara noted that incidents of public intoxication are most common in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mangaluru.Parameshwara said, "We will not drop everyone off at home. Those who have drunk heavily, who are unable to walk, and who have reached a state of losing consciousness will be taken.
We have set up resting places at 15 locations. They will be kept there until the intoxication wears off and then sent back."
Bengaluru Police will provide the drop facility on New Year's Eve.Addressing women's safety, he added, "Especially in the case of women, it is difficult to say what condition they may be in at that time. Some may be in a state of losing consciousness. Anything can happen at that moment. That is why we have made arrangements and taken precautionary measures.
We must ensure that others do not misuse the situation. For this reason, we have put all 30 districts on alert."The Home Minister said he has issued instructions to bars and pubs and emphasized that the state government is closely monitoring arrangements to prevent mishaps in crowded areas."In some districts, such activity does not occur. But in places like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mangaluru, there will be activity.
People come out onto the streets to enjoy themselves. I have issued instructions to bars and pubs. In Bengaluru, a large number of people come from outside. Kannadigas are fewer in number; many come from outside. They drink and enjoy. At that time, when large crowds gather, there can be pushing and jostling.
That is why we are paying extra attention," he said.Addressing drink-and-drive cases and the risk of miscreants at celebrations, he said the government has directed police to wear body cameras and stay connected to the command centre.He said, "There will be cases registered for drink-and-drive in the same manner. We have identified 160 spots. Up to a certain limit, it may be allowed, but once that limit is crossed, it becomes difficult to drive. Then accidents will occur. They may die, and they may cause the deaths of others. If we control the situation for two days, lives can be saved.""When large crowds gather, we have to look at it from a different dimension -- even from a terrorist angle.