Navi Mumbai: Alibag being preferred as a tourist destination for most of them from Mumbai and Pune, bandobast during the holiday season is always a challenge for the Raigad police. To ensure safety of the tourists and minimal traffic hassle for the commuters, Raigad police have chalked out a plan.
Based on the application made by Raigad Superintendent of police Somnath Gharge, Raigad Collector Kishan Jawale has issued orders to ban heavy vehicles till the midnight on Sunday except for vehicles carrying essential goods. To prevent traffic congestion at Poynad, Pezari, Alibag, Chondi, Nagav, and Revdanda, and to avoid accidents caused by heavy vehicles, the District Collector has issued orders to impose a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on the route from Dharmatar Bridge to Alibag, Alibag to Mandwa Jetty, and Alibag-Revas-Murud. Besides, to avoid traffic congestion at Mangaon, the ST bus stop has been temporarily moved to the ground near the HP Petrol Pump outside Mangaon city for long-distance buses, till January 2.
Statement Of Raigad Superintendent Of Police Somnath Gharge
“Raigad district, with its geographical location, has always been a center of attraction for tourists. Tourist destinations in the district such as Alibaug, Mandwa, Kashid, Murud, Shrivardhan, Diveagar, Khalapur, and cold-climate locations like Matheran attract visitors during the New Year season. To ensure the safety and security of tourists and locals alike, the district police have implemented strong measures. Additional police forces have been deployed at tourist spots to prevent untoward incidents and maintain law and order,” Gharge said.
Special teams have been prepared in all 28 police stations of Raigad district for the bandobast. These teams will closely monitor hotels, farmhouses, and cottages to prevent the occurrence of any illegal activities. Actions will be taken to curb activities like drunk driving, drug consumption, and misbehavior.
“Special vigilance will be maintained over large gatherings, and drones will be used for surveillance in important areas. Police personnel will also patrol critical routes and key areas in the district to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and maintain law and order,” Gharge added.
To monitor traffic and prevent congestion, drones equipped with cameras will be used at these locations- Alibaug Revdanda Bypass, Poynad to Pedgaon Checkpoint and main market areas.
Special attention is being paid to women safety Women officers in plain clothes will patrol markets and public areas to ensure safety and address any incidents of harassment. A Cyber team has been deployed to keep a vigil watch over the social media content being uploaded to ensure no content is a threat to the law and order of the place. A team of local crime branch will also be keeping a close watch over any usage of drugs in any of the parties.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion on major roads, police officers have been deployed at key locations. A total of 92 traffic officials with 13 breath analysers would be manning the roads. A total of 38 check points, 117 fixed points and 112 patrolling sectors have been identified by Raigad police.
“To ensure safe New Year celebrations, it is imperative to maintain law and order. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police in ensuring a peaceful environment. In case of emergencies or any issues, citizens should immediately contact the nearest police station or dial the helpline number. Police patrolling teams have been deployed at all sensitive locations to prevent incidents and ensure everyone's safety,” Gharge added.
Security Deployment for December 31st:
