Noida residents fear thefts on Holi, rethink vacation plans

Due to the fear of thefts, people are thinking twice before proceeding on Holi vacations. Kapil Datta reports.

Due to the fear of thefts, people are thinking twice before proceeding on Holi vacations.

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Many of those who will stay back fear drunken driving and hooliganism by anti-social elements. Hooch casualties also loom large. “During the Commonwealth Games, when people went on vacations, a large number of theft cases were reported. You cannot rely on the city police,” said Rajkumar Sharma, a resident.

A vast chunk of the police force has already been diverted to Bhatta Parsaul in Greater Noida where farmers have been agitating over a whole range of issue for the last two months.

Superintendent of police (city) Anant Dev said, “At present, we are concentrating on Holika dahan. At around 181 sites in the city, Holika dahan is scheduled to take place. Police teams have been sent to these sites to advise the organisers.”

The fire department has also been put on an alert. “We are identifying whether any site falls near a petrol pump or other inflammable substance area. Our aim to prevent fire.”

“Anybody creating nuisance or hooliganism would be booked. We have appealed to people, not to forcibly apply colour on women,” said Dev.

District excise officer MP Singh said, “To check liquor smuggling during the festival, we have started conducting checks at Delhi and Haryana borders.”

Call centre set up for water

Noida authority will ensure non-stop water supply on Holi.

Chief maintenance officer Yadav Singh said, "On Holi, for uninterrupted water supply, a call centre has been set up. In case residents face inadequate water supply, they can call and water tankers will be sent to that area immediately. The helpline number is: 2421490. It will be functional from 9am to 4pm on that day."

Water supply will be available from 8am to 8pm on Holi.