Security beefed up for New Year's Eve

Shimla, Dec 30 (UNI) Security has been beefed up in the Himachal Pradesh's state capital as the tourists throng it on the eve of the New Year.

Anticipating the huge rush, the Shimla police made elaborate security and traffic arrangements across the town, prominently on the Ridge and the Mall road to maintain law and order.

As many as three reserve battalion of police, including 25 police personnel, would be deputed in the town for ensuring security of people and property.

Out of the three, one reserve battalion would be deputed to streamline the traffic on the circular road of the town, Shimla SP AP Singh told UNI here.

He said the police in civil dress would also be deputed to hunt for people who threaten peace.

''Adequate efforts has been made to keep the trouble makers at bay with security at various places on The Mall, Ridge, various bazaars and other areas,'' he said.

Mr Singh said keeping in mind the heavy vehicular influx, adequate parking lots had been identified and extra cranes positioned to tackle and streamline the parking problem.

Meanwhile, the festivities had already began in the town.

To attract and entertain the crowd, the district administration had already started winter carnival from December 24, where performers had been exhibiting their talents.

A number of hotels have made arrangements for in-house dining and dance programmes for their guest.

UNI