No loud parties please, we're a National Park'

Special teams will be formed at SGNP to ensure teens don't drink or play loud music on New Year's Eve

IF you were planning to ring in the New Year by heading to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli, then make sure that you are on your best behaviour, as officials have decided to play the role of party police brigade.

Officials from the park said they'd take strict action against anyone found blaring music, speeding two-wheelers or consuming alcohol within the park's boundaries. Confirming the same, an official said, "Time and again, we have asked visitors to follow park rules. However, many of the youngsters visiting the park play loud music and speed on their bikes. In an attempt to counter their actions, we are forming teams and penalising those found violating park regulations."

Officials added that on New Year's Eve, teens make their way to the park, as it is a secluded spot allowing them to indulge in some merriment and consume alcohol.

"In the past, we have found youngsters consuming liquor in the park. But this time, to avoid instances of underage drinking, officials have also decided to book them if found guilty," added an officer.

In the past, irked by the rampant littering and plastic pollution by visitors, authorities had started taking action against offenders, either by levying a fine or invoking the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act to book them.