Puducherry, Dec 31 (BPNS)

The old French hamlet of Puducherry is gearing up for the New Year festivities even as strict Covid protocol is in place. The government has decked up the beach road with colourful lighting and entertainment shows are also in place.

New Year Celebrations in Puducherry would feature a laser show and some cultural events on the beach road to entertain the people there. Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation is organizing the cultural events while the laser show at Gandhi Thidal is organized by the Department of Tourism.

Beach road where the main cultural activities and laser show is to take place is barricaded into zones with 10 entry points to comply with social distancing norms.

SSP Puducherry (Law and Order) R. Lokeswaran while speaking to IANS said, “ People will be allowed entry only after strict screening measures at these entry points and random checking of vaccination certificates.

Around 360 policemen are on duty at the beach road only and volunteers are also assisting the policemen. Two drones would be deployed for stringent monitoring of violators of law and order.

Ambulances will be placed at three places near the beach road for any emergency excesses.

The entire white road has turned into a pedestrian walking area as no vehicles are allowed in this section. Vehicle entry has already been blocked at the Boulevard area from 2 pm onwards on Friday till 3 pm on January 1, 2022.

Residents of White Town will be issued with vehicle passes and the SSP, Traffic, Rahul Alwal said that residents of the area must use alternate routes to reach their homes.

Police also said that vehicles meant for emergency treatment will be permitted via Sister Agne Road and Gingee Salai.

“May I help You” counters have been set up at 20 locations to help tourists and local people to reach their parking areas.

The SSP, Traffic also said that CCTV cameras have been installed to prevent rash and drinking driving through the streets.