With December ushering in Assam’s much-awaited picnic season, the Sivasagar Police have rolled out a comprehensive set of safety protocols to manage the increasing number of visitors heading to scenic and historical sites across the district. Popular destinations such as Borhill, riverbanks, and historic landscapes in Sivasagar witness a surge of picnickers from neighbouring districts like Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Majuli, and even from states like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable season, the police department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) focused on preventing road mishaps and maintaining public order during the festive period. The guidelines stress responsible driving, vehicle fitness, and well-timed travel schedules.
According to the directive, drivers must be physically fit, fully sober, and adequately rested before beginning the journey. Authorities have advised against driving late into the night prior to the picnic and recommended that a substitute driver be arranged if rest is insufficient. The SOP further warns against vehicle overcrowding, excessive in-cabin noise, and insists that all passengers wear seatbelts at all times.
“Try to start the journey after sunrise and wrap up the picnic before sunset. Leave the picnic spot while there is still daylight,” the advisory reads.
Sivasagar Police have also urged visitors to check weather forecasts, plan travel ahead of time, and avoid long-distance trips that might stretch drivers’ endurance. In addition, all groups are instructed to follow any additional advisories issued by local authorities.
“The joy of a picnic should never be marred by tragedy. These precautions are simple yet lifesaving. Our goal is a festive season filled with happy memories, not preventable mishaps. We appeal to everyone to take collective responsibility for safety,” Sivasagar SSP Subhasish Baruah said.
He added that the police will maintain a district-level monitoring mechanism throughout December and January to ensure full compliance with the new safety norms.
