Patna: The district administration has chalked out a plan for peaceful Holi in Patna. District magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi on Saturday issued instructions to officials concerned and appealed to the residents to observe an eco-friendly Holi.
Police and magistrates will be deployed at strategic locations in the city on March 1 and 2, for Holika Dahan and Holi respectively. All government hospitals have been asked to be on alert and excise department teams will be extra alert to catch those indulging in illegal liquor trade.
"The police force and magistrates will be deputed at all sensitive and strategic locations in Patna," DM Ravi said. "Special arrangements will be made to nab people who intend to consume liquor during the festival. Special teams will be deputed with breathalysers to catch drunkards."
Over 100 magistrates and around 1,000 jawans will be deployed to ensure the festival passes off peacefully. The DM said special forces will patrol different localities during Holika Dahan, when things tend to go out of control. Plain cloth women constables will be deployed to keep an eye on those who indulge in eve-teasing and create unrest.
Patna Medical College and Hospital, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital and private hospitals have been asked to be on alert to deal with any eventuality.
"Police have been instructed to keep a close eye on biker's gangs in the city and take strict action if they try to create unpleasant situations," Ravi said. "Holi is the festival of joy and happiness and I will appeal to residents to celebrate an eco-friendly Holi and if possible play with herbal colours which are not harmful to the skin."
Like last year, Patna has been divided into eight sectors where the police and magistrates will be deployed. Station house officers (SHOs) have been instructed to be on alert and rush to the spot in case of any incident, howsoever minor.
Continuous patrolling will be carried out at parks, hotels, restaurants and community halls. Extra police force will be deployed at places where Holi milans are organised.
