The Delhi Police has made elaborate arrangements to ensure nothing untoward happens in the national Capital during the Holi celebrations. According to a senior Delhi Police official, around 35,000 personnel backed up by 33 companies will be patrolling the city roads to ensure a safe and secure Holi.

“These measures have been put in place as there are certain intercepts about forces inimical to the society may try to indulge in criminal activities to disrupt the celebrations,” the official said. The Delhi Police has also made elaborate arrangements in and around university campuses to ensure safety and security of people during the festival on Thursday, officials said on Wednesday.

Apart from deploying almost half of its force, Delhi Traffic Police has advised parents not to allow their minor children to drive vehicles.

In its advisory, the Delhi Police has also appealed to all motorists to avoid traffic violations, especially drunken driving. “All motorists are advised to obey traffic rules and regulations and follow the directions of the traffic policemen on duty for their safety as well as the safety of other road users,” it said.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) have issued advisory. As per DMRC, the Metro operations and services will be closed on Thursday till 2.30 pm on all lines, including the Airport Expressway. The Metro feeder bus services will also be not available till 2 pm on Holi.

The Delhi Traffic Police teams with alcometers have been deployed at major intersections and vulnerable points to detect and prosecute traffic violators, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said where women personnel have been deployed along with male policemen to ensure women can easily approach them. Arya said patrolling has been stepped up in the South Campus area and two special pickets have been placed outside Moti Lal Nehru College and the main entrance of South Campus while an extra van has been patrolling the area.

A meeting was held by the Delhi University proctor’s office with Delhi Police officials, DTC, Delhi Metro officials, hostels in charge and college authorities regarding steps to be taken to prevent hooliganism on the festival.

The proctor made the request to these authorities to increase vigil at the gates of their respective premises and stop entries of unauthorised persons inside the campus. In case of any problem, authority might contact the proctor’s office and Delhi Police helpline numbers given in the Holi posters sent to all the colleges, department and hostel authorities, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Nupur Prasad said patrolling has been intensified and picket teams comprising women police personnel have been deployed in the North Campus area especially near the hostels. PCR vans and women motorists will be extensively patrolling in the area.

“We have also put up restrictions on sale of balloons which are smaller than two inches,” Prasad added. As per the Supreme Court’s directions, in cases of drunken driving, red light jumping, using mobile phone while driving, dangerous driving and speeding, driving license will be seized and liable for suspension for a period of minimum three months, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K Jegadesan said.

Penal action shall also be initiated against registered car owners whose vehicles are found to be driven by minors or driving without a license, he said. The motorists have been advised to obey the traffic rules and not to drink and drive, observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, and two-wheeler riders to wear helmets and avoid triple riding, the official added.