Emergency Calls Surge 25% on New Year's Day, 14% on Bhai Bij in Gujarat

Gujarat’s emergency response agencies recorded a sharp increase in call volumes on two major festive occasions this year. On 1 January, the day marked as New Year’s, the number of distress calls rose by 25 per cent compared with the average daily tally for the month of December. A similar, though smaller, spike of 14 per cent was observed on 13 November, the day of the Hindu festival Bhai Bij, when brothers and sisters traditionally exchange gifts and sweets.

The data, compiled by the state’s police and health departments and reported by The Times of India, reflects the heightened activity associated with fireworks, large family gatherings and road travel during these celebrations. Officials noted that many of the additional calls related to minor injuries, fire incidents and traffic accidents, while no major casualties were reported.

State authorities have urged citizens to observe safety norms, avoid the use of illegal fireworks, and seek prompt medical help when needed. The emergency control rooms remain on heightened alert during festival periods to ensure rapid response and mitigate any escalation of incidents.