NEW DELHI (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — The Delhi Police has transitioned to a state of high alert for the Holi festival, deploying more than 15,000 personnel to maintain public order and ensure the safety of residents. In a move to curb dangerous behavior on the roads, special enforcement teams have been stationed at 134 major intersections across the national capital.
Zero Tolerance for Traffic Violations
The Delhi Traffic Police has introduced a rigorous management plan focusing on “accident-prone” stretches and busy junctions.
- Drunken Driving: This is the primary focus of the 2026 enforcement drive. Special pickets equipped with Alcometers (breathalyzers) are conducting day-long checks.
- License Suspension: Following directives from the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, any serious violation—including drunken driving, red-light jumping, or using a mobile phone while driving—will result in the immediate seizure of the driving license, followed by a minimum three-month suspension.
- Stunt Riding & Triple Riding: Special teams are patrolling vulnerable areas to penalize “zig-zag” driving, performing wheelies, or riding without helmets.
“Operation Aaghat”: Pre-Holi Crackdown
Leading up to the festival, the Delhi Police executed a synchronized intelligence-based campaign called Operation Aaghat across the South and Southeast districts.
- Arrests: 204 individuals were arrested under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
- Preventive Detentions: 973 others were apprehended to prevent potential disturbances during the celebrations.
- Recoveries: Police seized 12 illegal firearms, 24 knives, and over 15,900 quarters of illicit liquor intended for distribution during the festival.
Guidelines for Residents
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Gupta urged citizens to celebrate responsibly:
- Avoid Forceful Coloring: Police have appealed to the public to refrain from creating a nuisance in public places or applying color against anyone’s will.
- Social Media Vigil: The police warned that they are actively monitoring social media. Any traffic violations or acts of public nuisance uploaded online will be met with retrospective legal action.
- Owner Responsibility: Registered vehicle owners will be held legally accountable if their vehicles are found being driven by minors or unauthorized persons.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Delhi Police on high alert for Holi; 134 intersections under strict watch” (March 4, 2026)
- The Hindu: “Delhi Police on high alert for Holi; 134 intersections under strict watch” (March 4, 2026)
- The Pioneer: “Tight vigil at Delhi borders ahead of Holi; Operation Aaghat launched” (March 4, 2026)
- The Week: “15,000 police to guard Delhi on Holi; crackdown on drunk driving” (March 2, 2026)
- Delhi Traffic Police: Official Holi 2026 Traffic Advisory (March 3, 2026)
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