Shimla rolls out special law and order plan for Winter Carnival, Christmas-New Year rush

Shimla city has been divided into five sectors, which will function under the overall supervision of Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma.

With the Winter Carnival Shimla 2025 approaching, along with Christmas and New Year festivities, Shimla district administration has put a special law-and-order plan in place to ensure public safety and smooth crowd management in the state capital.

According to a report by The Indian Express, as part of the arrangement, Shimla city has been divided into five sectors, which will function under the overall supervision of Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma.

District Magistrate (Shimla) Anupam Kashyap issued the orders on Tuesday, noting that the tourist influx and movement of local visitors rise sharply during the festive period. As per the report, he said the special plan is necessary to maintain law and order and ensure smooth regulation of traffic in the city.

According to the directions, an administrative officer has been deployed in each sector, supported by adequate police staff. Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi has already completed the police postings required for the plan. The administration’s primary objective, officials said, is to provide a secure environment for tourists and residents while keeping traffic movement unhindered. The plan will be in force from December 24 to January 2.

The District Magistrate also informed that ambulances will be stationed at Shimla’s entry points. He urged residents and visitors to follow the guidelines issued under the special plan, drive within the prescribed speed limits, avoid overtaking, and strictly refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.

Under the sector-wise arrangements, Sector I comprises Shoghi and nearby areas and will be supervised by Naib Tehsildar Shimla (Urban) Bhisham Singh Kanwar.

Sector II includes Mall Road, the Ridge, Scandal Point, Christ Church, Lakkar Bazaar, Regal Cinema, the Lift area, CTO, Auckland, IGMC, Radisson Hotel, Jhansi Park, Sher-e-Punjab and adjoining parts of Lower Bazaar. SDM (Urban) Oshin Sharma has been appointed in charge of this sector, with Tehsildar Shimla (Urban) Narayan Singh Verma assisting.

Sector III covers areas falling under Police Station East and New Shimla, with Tehsildar Shimla (Rural) Sanjeev Gupta responsible for coordination.

Sector IV consists of Fun World, Galu, Lambidhar, Fagu, Sanjauli, Dhalli, Kufri, Mashobra, Chharabra, Chini Bangla and surrounding locations. This sector will be supervised by SDM Shimla (Rural) Manjeet Sharma.

Sector V includes all major traffic points such as the 103 Tunnel, ISBT Tutikandi, Old Barrier, Chakkar and nearby areas. Naib Tehsildar Shimla (Rural) Chand Ram has been assigned charge of this sector.