Police check drivers on a city street on the New Year’s eve. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 31: City police have decided to act tough on unruly revellers this New Year. Sources in the police department said those violating traffic norms and creating law and order problems would be dealt with strictly.

Special squads will be formed to keep a close watch on revellers with special vigil being kept on the highways and busy traffic squares. Public places, including hotels, would also be under the scanner.

Sources said that apart from keeping an eye on star hotels and pubs, where special arrangements have been made for New Year’s celebrations, police would use breath analysers to keep tabs on drunk drivers.

People driving under the influence of alcohol will be penalised under the Orissa Urban Police Act.

“However, police would certainly not be acting as party poopers and allow people to celebrate till 1am. But PCR mobile vans will patrol the streets intensively tonight and tomorrow,” said a source.

While care has been taken to maintain law and order and curb drunk driving, hotel and pub owners have been instructed not to exceed the 65-decibel sound limit. They have also been asked to stick to the permissible time limit as far as high decibel music is concerned.

“The violators would be punished as per the Orissa Urban Police Act,” said a police officer. The city police have instructed all the liquor shops in the city to close by 10.30pm. If any shop owner sells liquor flouting the rules, action would be taken against them.

Sources said special care would be taken to ensure smooth flow of traffic on roads connecting the tourist spots in and around the city.

The number of policemen manning traffic would be increased keeping the occasion in mind.