Sambalpur, Jan. 13: Incidents of brawl under the influence of alcohol may be a common affair at picnic spots - but not any more along the right dyke of the Hirakud reservoir.

Burla police have intensified its vigil along the dyke, a hotspot for picnickers, to strictly enforce no drinking at public places. The cops are checking all vehicles going towards the picnic spots along the 10-km-long right dyke.

The reservoir, which is a favourite hangout zone for Burla residents, witnesses thousands of visitors during winter as the locale offers not only a view of the world's longest man-made dam, but also an array of migratory birds and the nearby Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

This season, the police decided to intensify surveillance along the right dyke following a clash among picnickers at the spot on December 26 last year. Members of both the picnic parties, which had got involved in the brawl, reported the incident at Burla police station. However, neither any case was lodged, nor anyone arrested.

Since December 31 last, the vigil has been operational at Ashok Nivas off Burla town as picnickers take this route to reach the dam. "All the vehicles are being checked to prevent picnickers from carrying liquor bottles. So far, we have seized around 150 bottles of liquor," said inspector-in-charge of Burla police station Tophan Bag.

He also said case would be lodged against the picnickers, who would be found consuming liquor at the spot or caught in an inebriated condition.

However, no case has yet been lodged, and apart from seizing the liquor bottles, the cops have not yet arrested anyone.

"Hundreds of people, including children and woman, frequent the picnic spots along the right dyke of the reservoir. We do not want any untoward incidents to take place there. Therefore, regular patrolling is being conducted at the place," said a police official.

Burla residents, especially the picnickers, have welcomed the decision.

"People visit the dyke for picnic. On several occasions, the revellers are found indulging in brawls. The decision to enforce prohibition on liquor will check unruly activities at such a beautiful place," said a picnicker, Amar Dash.

"The prohibition of liquor at the picnic spot was essential. It is the major reason behind the unpleasant activities at picnic spots," said Burla resident Bibhuti Panda.

On any given day, the dam has a footfall of around 1,000 visitors. However, on Sundays and special occasions, the number goes up exponentially.