This festive season, police would keep an eye on revellers from watchtowers.

The Patna district administration has decided to put up watchtowers at important points such as Patna zoo and parks, where people congregate in large numbers to celebrate New Year.

District magistrate Abhay Kumar Singh said the administration was gearing up to make all possible arrangements for the New Year celebrations in Patna to prevent any untoward incident.

Since watchtowers were a huge success at the ghats during this year's Chhath, the administration decided to erect similar structures at strategic locations.

'We decided to erect watchtowers with public address system at important points such as Eco Park, Patna zoo, Kumhrar Park, Mahavir Mandir, Buddha Smiriti Park and other places where large number of people gather. These steps are being taken to monitor the crowd and also from the law and order point of view,' said Abhay.

Sharing more on the arrangement by the district administration, Abhay said several other steps have been taken to keep a watch on hooligans.

'Special focus would be on the rowdy elements. Teams would be formed and deployed to keep a close eye on their movements. Police personnel would be equipped with breathalysers to nab drink drivers involved in rash driving,' said Abhay.

To ensure peaceful celebrations, the district administration has also decided to deploy adequate number of personnel at all important points, including deputation of magistrate-level officers.

Special attention would be given on the deployment of force at the temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches. Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) would be on alert to provide emergency services.

Though CCTV cameras will not be used, policemen would be deputed with handy cameras. There would be patrolling from December 31 morning to January 1 night.

On any instruction issued to the bar and restaurant owners, Abhay said: 'They have been instructed not to cross the time limit. If the bars and restaurants have the permission till midnight, they cannot exceed the deadline. Their licences would be cancelled if they operate beyond the deadline. Random inspections would be conducted.'

Patna divisional commissioner Narmadeshwar Lal instructed all district magistrates to keep the control room functional round-the-clock and also depute adequate number of women constables to check incidents of eve-teasing.

Abhay added that a joint order would be released from the DM and traffic police-level for smooth traffic movement.