Kolkata: Sporadic bursting of firecrackers was reported in Tollygunge, Behala and Haridevpur, and along some stretches of EM Bypass, including Kalikapur, on Sun-day night.
According to norms, citizens were allowed an 11.55pm-12.30am window to burst firecrackers. According to sources, though the incidents were significantly fewer than the Kali Puja and Diwali violations, the bursting of crackers on Sunday started much before people rang in the new year. WBPCB had deployed drones to enforce compliance and senior PCB officers operated from the central command and control centre at the PCB headquarters.
On Sunday, cops hit the streets with breathalysers from 7pm.
“In the Christmas weekend, 106 cases of drink-driving were reported. In comparison, 65 cases were reported between Christmas and the new year weekend, and it shows that our crackdown has been successful,” said an officer. Joint CP (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said drink driving checks will remain a priority even on January 1, 2024.
Till reports came in up to 8pm on December 31, cops increased presence at all major hot spots, trying to control the surging crowds. Most incidents of disorderly conduct were reported in pockets of south and south suburban Kolkata. But none was serious enough to attract specific charges,” said an officer.
The city traffic cops have prosecuted 391 people for drink-driving between December 25 and 30, with 37 cases on Saturday alone. This was over a 100 more than last year in the same period. There have been over 9,622 traffic prosecutions per day in the run-up to the new year, between December 25 and 31 till 5pm. On Saturday, cops had launched their crackdown at 50 spots from 9pm to 1am and again from 2am to 4am. While several were arrested, around two-thirds are likely to be recommended for temporary suspension of licences.
Besides the Jorabagan area, Kasba and Jadavpur connectors emerged as big challenges for cops, both reporting multiple cases of drink-driving and dangerous driving. In comparison, the Park Street area reported barely a few cases of drink-driving. On new year’s eve, cops continued the crackdown on drink-driving with eight cases reported till 5pm. “We are planning to continue the crackdown till 3am if needed,” said an officer.
“Since drink driving che-cks usually begin at 8.30pm, many gulp multiple pegs at various clubs before parking themselves at other party zones. We are thus conducting early checks,” the officer said.
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