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With just three days left for New Year 2026, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar chaired a high-level security and law-and-order review meeting at the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, focusing on crowd control, drug crackdowns and public safety.
With only three days remaining for the arrival of New Year 2026, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar on Sunday held a crucial press meet and review meeting at the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s Office to assess the city’s preparedness.
The Home Minister arrived at the Commissioner’s office and held detailed discussions with Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Joint Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners (ACPs) and other senior officers. The focus of the meeting was New Year bandobast, law and order, traffic management and public safety.
Officials briefed the Home Minister on the elaborate plans drawn up by the police department, keeping in mind the massive crowds expected across Bengaluru. According to estimates shared during the meeting, more than 10 lakh people are likely to participate in New Year celebrations across the city, which is higher than last year.
Dr Parameshwar noted that in previous years, over three lakh people gathered in the Central Business District (CBD), while Koramangala alone witnessed participation of over one lakh people. This year, similar or higher numbers are expected in areas such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, Koramangala and Electronic City’s Neeladri Road.
The Home Minister said the government and police share a common objective, ensuring that people celebrate peacefully and return home safely. He stressed the need for strict crowd control, women’s safety and effective traffic regulation.
To manage crowds, Bengaluru Police will deploy nearly 20,000 personnel, including 2,500 traffic police, 246 Hoysala patrol vehicles, 250 Cobra bikes and 400 traffic wardens. Police have also identified all high-footfall zones in advance.
In Koramangala alone, police will install 20 watch towers, set up 150 focus lights, operate nine police control access points, deploy six vehicle-checking units, and provide eight car-in parking zones. Thousands of CCTV cameras are already active, with additional cameras installed specifically for New Year celebrations.
For public safety, 15 safety centres will be operational for people who fall unconscious due to excessive alcohol consumption. Ambulances, drone surveillance and quick-response teams will also be on standby.
Also Read:₹55.88 crore drug factory busted in Bengaluru: Maharashtra ANTF seizes 21.4 kg narcotics, 4 arrested
Police have introduced hit-map technology, using green and red colour indicators to monitor crowd density in real time. Facial recognition cameras are also planned to enhance surveillance. QR code-based systems will help citizens quickly access ambulance and traffic-related information.
Dr Parameshwar said special attention is being paid to women’s safety and crowd management. He also confirmed that police are fully prepared from a terror-prevention angle, citing recent incidents elsewhere in the country that highlighted risks linked to large gatherings.
Drug factory seizure case
During the press meet, the Home Minister also addressed the recent seizure of drug factories in Bengaluru. He clarified that not only Maharashtra Police but Karnataka authorities were also aware of the operation. Following shared intelligence, a joint investigation led to the seizure of 3.5 kg of drugs worth ₹1.20 crore.
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He stated that the drugs were reportedly stocked for New Year demand and assured that strict monitoring is underway to prevent such activities in the future. “We will not allow Bengaluru to become a hub for such crimes,” he said, adding that action would be taken at all levels, including against senior officers if lapses are found.
Dr Parameshwar urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and requested families to monitor their children and youngsters during festivities. He emphasized that public cooperation is crucial to ensure a safe and incident-free New Year.
