Bengaluru Bans Whistling and Full-Face Masks for New Year Celebrations
Bengaluru Bans Whistling | The capital of Karnataka is preparing to welcome the New Year with heightened security and specific rules aimed at ensuring public safety and comfort. The Bengaluru City Police has announced restrictions on the use of whistles and masquerade masks during celebrations in public spaces. Commissioner of Police B Dayananda stated that whistles producing harsh and shrill sounds have been banned to prevent nuisance, particularly for families and children.
Masquerade masks, including demon-like or lit-up varieties, are also prohibited. Police officials have observed that such masks have been used by individuals to hide their identities and engage in inappropriate behavior, such as teasing women or troubling children. Surgical masks, however, remain allowed as they are considered protective against infections and pollutants.
Bengaluru Bans Whistling
To maintain order and safety, an estimated 11,000 police personnel, supported by 72 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons and 21 City Armed Reserve (CAR) platoons, will be on duty throughout the city. Additionally, home guards and traffic wardens will assist in patrolling key areas, especially MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and Koramangala. These locations, popular for celebrations, are expected to draw large crowds, with MG Road alone anticipated to host around one lakh people. Commissioner Dayananda emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure a safe and joyous New Year for all.
As part of the arrangements, the police will monitor nearly 1,000 CCTV cameras, with a mini control room overseeing sensitive locations equipped with an additional 150 cameras. Flyovers across the city will be closed, and vehicular access will be restricted on major roads, including MG Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street, from 8 pm on December 31 until 2 am on January 1. Public transport services, such as metro and buses from MG Road, will operate until 2 am to facilitate safe travel.
Bengaluru New Year Celebration
To address women’s safety, special measures have been introduced, including the deployment of the Rani Chennamma Special Squad and the establishment of 12 safety islands across the city. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation has announced fines of ₹500 for individuals caught harassing women, with offenders handed over to the police. Watchtowers and healthcare facilities have also been set up in key locations for public convenience.
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The city has a history of security concerns during New Year celebrations, most notably an incident in 2017 when several women were reportedly molested on MG Road. Authorities are determined to avoid any such occurrences this year. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar highlighted the importance of maintaining Bengaluru’s image and warned that individuals engaging in disruptive behavior would face strict action.
The festivities will adhere to a strict 1 am deadline, with police intensifying checks on drug-related offenses. Surprise inspections are planned at pubs and other establishments, aiming to curb any illegal activities. Bengaluru’s police force is committed to providing a safe environment for an estimated 7–8 lakh revelers expected to gather across the city to ring in the New Year.
