Goa Police to crack down on drunken driving on New Year eve

Those planning to down a few beers and drive around Goa during New Year's eve may be in for a shock, as Goa Police plan to crack down on drunken driving in the coastal state, known for its nightlife.

A circular issued to all police stations by Director General of Police Muktesh Chander on Monday has asked police to crack down on drunk driving through New Year's even and on January 1.

"All police station in-charges and traffic circle in-charges should ensure that tonight, effective prosecution of drunken driving is done apart from traffic regulation," Chander said.

Police stations and traffic cells in both the districts have been directed to report all drunken driving-related statistics to the police control room by January 1 noon.

Road accidents, especially those emanating from drunken driving, have emerged as an area of concern for the BJP-led coalition government's administration, which has asked police to specifically crack down on the menace.

Goa is one of the top tourism and nightlife destinations in the country and has emerged over the years as a popular destination for Christmas and New Year vacationing. The state attracts more than seven million tourists every year.

--IANS

maya/mr