Patna, March 14: The city police are planning to start a special drive to control illegal sale of liquor and use of firecrackers or combustible products during Holi.

The drive will be launched for four days, starting March 18. Holi is on March 20.

Sources said different police stations have been asked to stay alert and patrol their respective areas regularly to avoid any untoward incident during the festival.

More than 300 areas in the state capital have been declared as “sensitive zones” and heavy police force, including armed policemen, is being deployed in these areas.

“The police will be on high alert in order to ensure a safe Holi. The focus is on curbing the sale of illicit liquor. The policemen have been asked to keep a check on the same and look out for men indulging in the business. The police control room in Patna and all the sub-divisions will remain open round-the-clock,” a senior police officer said.

The police added that those spreading rumours will be dealt with strictly.

“Festivals like Holi, Diwali and others witness a lot of rumours which can cause a lot of difficulties both for the people and the cops. Those spreading rumours will be dealt with very strictly,” the officer said.

The festival of colours is always marred by incidents of violence and rash driving leading to serious mishaps.

“Police presence will be there on the streets but people too should remain careful. Drinking and driving can lead to a serious mishap and can be life threatening,” another officer said.

DSP-rank officers of different areas have been asked to hold talks with the peace committees of their respective areas.

“This is very important. The officers have been asked to hold talks with peace committee members in order to ensure a crime and incident-free Holi. There are people who create disturbances and nuisances and also harm others in the name of Holi celebrations,” he said.

Bigger areas like Kotwali, Pirbhore, Gardanibagh and Gandhi Maidan have been provided with five extra groups of patrol parties from the police control room.

The police have been asked to keep a watch on illegal sale country liquor during the festival.

“Though the bigger shops selling foreign liquor are closed during the festival, some pockets see secret and rampant sale of country liquor. The police have been asked to stop the same under any circumstances. In addition to this, the big liquor shops will also be closely monitored by the police to check if the shopkeepers are indulging in any back-door selling,” an officer said.