Resorts, farmhouses off ECR shut down for New Year Eve

In an interaction with hoteliers and resort owners on Sunday at a private hotel, the district police chief has said that those who have booked rooms in such resorts or hotels should check in before 10 pm on December 31. 

Hoteliers were also asked to avoid any kind of programme aimed at public gatherings in resorts/hotels or on the beach to usher in the New Year. 

At least 500 cops will be deployed on East Coast Road (ECR) to prevent New Year revelry, said the officer. The cops will take strict action against the drunken drivers and there will be restrictions for travelling on the ECR, particularly for two-wheelers, on the eve of the New Year from 6 pm onwards. 

The entire stretch of the ECR up to Mahabalipuram would be under the CCTV surveillance round the clock and 10 check posts will be set up to monitor the motorists. Those who are coming to stay in the hotels should carry enough documents to prove their identity, the officer informed at the meeting, which was attended by managers of resorts, hotels and also owners of farm and beach houses. 

A week ago, the State government had banned New Year celebrations and parties citing the spread of the new strain of coronavirus. The order said midnight parties would not be allowed on New Year eve, and people would not be allowed to visit beaches on December 31 and January 1. Celebrations on roads are also banned. However, there are no restrictions on the normal functioning of restaurants, hotels, clubs, resorts on these dates.