Mumbai: New Year celebrations in the city began in a subdued manner in the backdrop of the November 26 terror attacks. Revellers at famous seafronts like Gateway of India, Girgaun Chowpatty, Shivaji Park and Aksa beach have turned up in less numbers compared to last year.

"Last year by 9pm, we could sense the presence of revellers in large numbers. But this time, the number of revellers dipped significantly," said Prakash Shinde who came to Gateway of India. "We have dropped our plan to visit Gateway of India and Girgaun Chowpatty in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks.

Instead, we will welcome the New Year at our locality in our own way," said Lingam Balakrishna, a senior executive in a private firm and resident of Worli in central Mumbai. All key locations, where revellers are expected to assemble to welcome the New Year have turned into a virtual fortresses with CCTVs, watchtowers, bunkers and barricades being put up here.

Source : PTI