New Year celebrations: Sea entry banned after 6 pm, beach parties prohibited in Uttara Kannada

Karwar: As New Year celebrations gather momentum across Karnataka, the district administration in Uttara Kannada has imposed strict restrictions along the coast to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure public safety.

With tourist destinations, pubs, bars and nightclubs witnessing heavy crowds ahead of December 31, the authorities have issued a clear warning to tourists and locals planning to celebrate the New Year on beaches.

Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmipriya has ordered a complete ban on entering the sea after 6 pm on December 31. In addition, all New Year celebrations and gatherings on beaches have been strictly prohibited.

The directive comes amid a surge in tourist footfall across coastal districts, where many visitors traditionally gather along the shoreline to welcome the New Year.

Tight security measures along the coast:

The district administration has taken these precautionary steps to ensure that no accidents, drowning incidents or law-and-order issues occur during the festivities. As per the order, no individual will be allowed to enter the sea after 6 pm on December 31 under any circumstances.

Organising any kind of New Year celebration, party or event on beaches is not permitted. Public consumption of alcohol has been strictly banned, and the administration has made it clear that anyone found violating the order will face legal action.

Further, no one is allowed to remain on the beaches beyond 12.30 am, and all visitors must return to their homes or places of stay by that time.

Enhanced vigilance at popular beaches:

Keeping tourist safety in mind, the district administration has deployed additional lifeguards at major beaches across Uttara Kannada. These include Ravindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, Gokarna Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, Kasarkod Beach, Apsarakonda Beach and Murudeshwar Beach.

In addition to coastal areas, Tourist Mitras have been deployed at popular inland tourist destinations such as Yana, Banavasi, Sirsi and Sahasralinga to guide visitors and ensure safety norms are followed.

Restrictions on hotels, resorts and nightlife:

The Deputy Commissioner has also issued strict instructions to hotels, resorts and homestays in the district. All commercial activities, including celebrations and parties, must be shut down after 12.30 am. Bars, pubs and resorts have been clearly instructed not to remain open late into the night or host New Year parties beyond the permitted hours.

Allowing tourists or revellers to continue celebrations late at night will attract action against the management, the order warns. Roadside parties are also prohibited, and vehicles cannot be parked along roads or coastal areas for celebrations.

Zero tolerance for drinking in public spaces:

The administration has reiterated that drinking alcohol on roadsides, beaches or inside parked vehicles is strictly prohibited. Any form of partying in public places, especially along the coastline, will not be tolerated. Police teams have been instructed to conduct regular patrols and take immediate action against violators.

Special focus on women’s safety:

In view of large crowds and late-night movement, special instructions have been issued to ensure the safety of women and children. Police personnel have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance in areas frequented by women and families.

The police department has also been placed on high alert, with officials instructed to be ready to provide immediate assistance whenever required. With these measures in place, the district administration has appealed to the public and tourists to cooperate, follow the rules and celebrate the New Year responsibly, prioritising safety over revelry.

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