Karwar: To prevent gathering of people on December 31 and January 1, 2021 celebrating the New Year, the Uttara Kannada District police have imposed Section 144 in few taluks of the district.

Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of  Police Shivaprakash Devraj said that Section 144 has been imposed in coastal areas like Kumta, Honnavara, Ankola, Bhatkal and Karwar, while there other taluks like Sirsi, Siddapura, Yellapura, Mundgod, Dandell, Haliyal and Joida will be spared.

According to police, the measures have been taken considering the large number of tourists who are already in the district.

"Following the orders of the deputy commissioner, we are imposing section 144. The prohibition will be in force from 4 pm of December 31 to 6 am of January 1, 2021," he said.

Accordingly, gathering of more than five people is not allowed. SP Devraj sald that the step has been taken considering the Covid-19 situation.

"Homestays, resorts, hotels, restaurants and bars have been instructed not to organise celebrations, considering the ban. There will be no public celebration such as cake cutting, loud music and renting out party halls etc," he said. About 700 police personnel will be on the streets to enforce the prohibition. Ambulances, fire department and the coastal police have been put on high alert.