Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Wednesday that the state government would drop “heavily intoxicated” people at their homes during the New Year celebrations.
Talking to reporters, G Parameshwara said the government has arranged 15 places where people can rest till their intoxication subsides.
He noted that cases of revelers and intoxicated people are mainly found in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru.
Parameshwara said, “We will not drop everyone at home. Those who are heavily drunk, who are unable to walk and who have reached a state of unconsciousness will be taken away. We have set up rest stops at 15 places. They will be kept there until the intoxication wears off and then sent back.”
Bengaluru Police will provide drop-off facilities on New Year’s Eve.
Addressing women’s safety, he added: “Especially in the case of women, it is difficult to say what state they may be in at that moment. Some may be in a state of unconsciousness. Anything can happen at that moment. That is why we have arranged and taken preventive measures. We have to ensure that others do not abuse 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, adding that the state government is paying attention to measures to avoid accidents at crowded places.
“In some districts, there is no such activity. But in places like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru, there will be activity. People come out on the streets to have fun. I have given directions to bars and pubs. In Bengaluru, a large number of people come from outside. Kannadigas are less in number and many gather there when they gather from outside. At the time when people gather, there are many people.” pushing, that’s why we pay extra attention,” he said.
He added that the government had ordered the police to wear body cameras and link up with the command center in relation to cases of drunk driving and the possibility of unruly people entering the celebrations.
He said: “In the same way, cases of drunk driving will be registered. We have identified 160 places. It can be allowed up to a certain limit, but once that limit is exceeded, it will be difficult to drive. Then accidents will happen. They can die and they can cause others to die. If we control the situation for two days, we can save lives.”
“When large crowds gather, we have to look at it from another dimension – even from the terrorists’ angle. The police will intervene from all angles. We have directed the police to wear body cameras. They will be directly linked to the command centre. If more force is required, it will be deployed,” the Karnataka minister added.
Earlier today, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar gave an update on the security arrangements in Bengaluru to ensure safety during the celebrations.
In a post on X, DK Shivakumar said that more than 20,000 police personnel supported by specialized women’s units have been deployed in Bengaluru to ensure public safety.
“Bengaluru is all set to welcome 2026 with safe and smooth celebrations. Over 20,000 police personnel, supported by dedicated women’s units, are on duty across the city, focusing on high-traffic areas and women’s safety. Modern technology will monitor crowds and traffic to keep the city moving. Measures are in place to prevent dangerous driving and other risks.” DK Shivakumar said in a post on X.
