Mumbai: Revellers beware, breath analysers are back on roads

A traffic police officer uses a breathalyser on a youngster at Goregaon. File pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The Mumbai traffic police are all set to bring back breath analysers during New Year's Eve to detect drink-driving cases. Breath analysers have not been in use for the past two years due to COVID-19 and other guidelines by the state government. However, as there are no COVID curbs currently even though there has been a global surge in cases, cops have decided on bringing breathalysers back. The decision came up during Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar's special meeting held on Tuesday on security arrangements during New Year's celebration.

All zonal and special branch deputy commissioners of police, additional commissioners and joint commissioners were present for the meeting. "There were restrictions for the past two years, but this time there are no such restrictions. We are expecting large crowds in the city at important locations where people celebrate New Year. Based on this, security arrangements have been made where the entire force will be deployed to ensure that no untoward incidents are reported," a senior police officer told mid-day.

Traffic cops conduct a drink-driving check at Juhu in October 2016. File pics/Pradeep Dhivar

"This time, as there are no restrictions, a large crowd is expected. So, we are going to use breath analysers to detect drink and drive cases," the officer added.

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The Mumbai police have been at the forefront of handling COVID-19 waves in the city and several cops have even died in the process. The use of breath analysers was stopped to ensure that COVID-19 doesn't spread within the police department. "We are keeping that in mind and discussions have happened to ensure that traffic police officers take proper precautions, such as using hand sanitisers, while using breath analysers," an officer from the traffic police said.

Traffic cops ask a motorist to stop during a drink-driving check, at Juhu

Cops are also going to focus on foot patrolling during the new year's celebrations as per the instructions given by Satyanarayan Chaudhary, joint commissioner (law and order). "We have made possible arrangements keeping in mind that people are going to celebrate new year after two years of lockdown," Chaudhary told mid-day.

Apart from this, anti-terror squad, anti-eve teasing squad, teams from bomb detection and disposal squad and Nirbhaya Pathak will also be deployed at all major locations of the city. Officers said that the State Reserve Police Force and Riot Control Police will be deployed at crowded places such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive and all beaches in the city. Cops are also going to use drones and moving CCTV vans to keep an eye on the festivities.