Gateway-like security at Juhu Beach in Mumbai

This new year’s eve, tight police security will not be restricted to five-star hotels and ‘elite’ party places in South Mumbai alone. The city police have decided to enforce tight security at Juhu Chowpaty, the common man’s venue for ringing in the new year.

“We have called a meeting of stall and hotel owners in and around Juhu Chowpatty on Tuesday in Juhu to give them specific security instructions for new year celebrations,” said additional commissioner (western region) Amitabh Gupta.

On a par with arrangements at the Gateway of India, Juhu Chowpatty will also be segregated into family and non-family zones. “We will try our best to ensure that there is no intrusion in both restricted areas. But it is tough to plan in anticipation for days like this,” said Gupta.

The police also plan to turn Juhu Tara Road, which leads to Juhu Chowpatty, into a no-parking zone. “We will also issue a strict notice to pay-and-park agents to check each and every vehicle carefully before allowing it to be parked,” he added.

While the police will man open areas, security agencies are banking on hoteliers to ensure security in their vicinity. Hotel owners will be asked to check the credentials of their staff as well. The police expect them to install CCTV cameras, if they already haven’t, to monitor their premises. It would be essential for them to be on the lookout for suspicious objects, persons, or movement among the revellers.

“It was three years ago when a mob groped and molested a few girls in the presence of their male friends while they were walking outside JW Marriott Hotel in Juhu in the wee hours of January 1. We hope to avoid the repetition of such incidents by working jointly with all those whose help matters,” said Gupta.