Assam: Tinsukia Police issue strict safety advisory ahead of New Year picnics

Guwahati: With Tinsukia emerging as one of the most popular New Year picnic destinations in Upper Assam, the police administration on Thursday issued a stringent safety advisory for picnic-goers.

The advisory warned of zero tolerance against drunk driving, traffic violations, overcrowding of vehicles, and unsafe outdoor activities during the New Year celebrations.

“Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol will face legal action, including heavy fines, suspension or cancellation of driving licences, and seizure of vehicles,” the advisory stated, underlining that enforcement teams will be deployed across the district.

In the advisory, the police cautioned that the New Year rush to picnic spots often leads to traffic congestion, rash driving, and accidents. Motorists have been directed to strictly follow traffic rules, maintain speed limits, and exercise extra caution while travelling on rural roads, forest stretches, riverbanks, and approach roads leading to picnic locations.

The Tinsukia Police made it clear that consumption of alcohol or any intoxicating substance before or during driving will invite strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Police have also warned against overloading vehicles and transporting people in goods-carrying vehicles, terming the practice extremely dangerous. Picnic groups have been instructed to use only authorised passenger vehicles and adhere to prescribed seating capacity norms.

Given Tinsukia’s vast forest cover and proximity to eco-sensitive zones, the advisory strongly discouraged lighting fires, barbecues, or stoves near dry vegetation, forest areas, electric lines, or flammable materials. Unsafe handling of fire could lead to forest fires, injuries, and loss of property, police cautioned.

Special emphasis has been laid on water safety. The police advised people to avoid consuming alcohol near rivers, wetlands, and water bodies, noting that several drowning incidents are reported every year during New Year's picnics due to negligence and intoxication.

Tinsukia attracts thousands of picnic-goers every New Year owing to its scenic and accessible picnic destinations. Popular spots include the banks of the Brahmaputra, Dihing, and Kundil rivers; Guijan Picnic Spot near Dibru–Saikhowa National Park; Michamari Rupaisiding; Baghdhora Picnic Spot; and Na-Pukhuri Park, besides nearby attractions such as Maguri Motapung Beel, Dibru–Saikhowa National Park, Dehing Patkai forest areas, and the famous Tilinga Mandir. These locations witness heavy footfall during the festive season, prompting heightened police vigilance.

The Tinsukia Police further advised picnic-goers not to block roads or public pathways while parking vehicles or setting up picnic arrangements and to avoid outdoor activities during adverse weather conditions.

Appealing for public cooperation, the police said the advisory aims to ensure peaceful, safe, and incident-free New Year celebrations across the district. Citizens have been urged to report emergencies or unsafe situations to the Assam Police Control Room at 60309-01108.