Surat : As the clock ticks down to 2024, a contrasting tale unfolds across the border between Surat and Daman. In the “diamond city,” Surat, police have donned their vigilant hats, vowing to keep New Year’s eve celebrations safe and sober. Meanwhile, Daman, the “watering hole of Gujarat,” is bracing for a festive deluge of revelers seeking revelry by the sea.
Daman’s beaches, hotels, and party plots are buzzing with anticipation. Bacchus himself would be impressed by the bookings – hotels and guest houses are overflowing with party-loving Suratis eager to welcome the New Year with a bang. Room rates have hit record highs, with some luxury accommodations fetching a staggering Rs 30,000 per night!
But while Daman prepares to uncork the champagne, Surat is taking a different approach. The city’s police department has deployed a formidable 5,000-strong force armed with 300 breathalyzers. Convoys patrol the streets, ready to nab anyone celebrating in an “inebriate state.” Drones will keep a watchful eye from above, and even rooftops won’t escape scrutiny – suspicious gatherings could lead to swift raids and arrests.
“If a prankster has committed molestation, he must go straight to jail,” declared a determined police official, reflecting the department’s zero tolerance for unruly behavior. To ensure everyone’s safety, especially women and teenagers, 1,000 female officers will be deployed on major routes and undercover agents will mingle with the crowds, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble.
Surat residents are divided. Some applaud the police’s vigilance, hoping for a peaceful and respectful celebration. Others, disappointed with the strict measures, express their desire for a more relaxed atmosphere.
One young resident, caught between excitement and caution, shared, “I understand the police are doing their job, but I wish we could have a little more fun without feeling like we’re under constant surveillance. Maybe somewhere in the middle, you know?”
The question remains: will Surat’s streets echo with the clinking of glasses or the sirens of police cars on New Year’s eve? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, both Daman’s vibrant revelry and Surat’s cautious vigilance promise to make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember.
