File pic of traffic police
Traffic police said during festive periods, the city witnesses heavy footfall and high traffic density near Ganesh pandals, immersion procession routes, markets, and major intersections late into the night. ACP Madhav Reddy said, “No leniency will be extended to anyone driving under the influence or endangering public safety.“ Other police officials urged citizens to use designated drivers or public transport if they consume alcohol. In such scenarios, intoxicated motorists present a severe hazard not only to themselves but also to innocent pedestrians and fellow commuters. To curb accidents and mitigate injuries and fatalities, specialised checkpoints (nakabandis) have been set up across Nashik. Operating under the directives of commissioner of police Sandeep Karnik, a coordinated unit of seven teams has been deployed under DCP (HQ and traffic) Chandrakant Gawali and ACP (traffic) Madhav Reddy. They added that the focused crackdown against drunk driving will remain active throughout the Ganeshotsav period and will continue as a sustained campaign across the city.