SINGAPORE – Visitors to Little India will not be able to use the Birch Road pedestrian crossing, which will be closed for 12 hours from 4pm on October 30, the eve of Deepavali.

This decision aims to ensure crowd and traffic management, for the safety of pedestrians and road users, the police said in a press release dated October 28.

With the temporary closure of the Birch Road crossing – which is opposite the Angullia Mosque – the nearest pedestrian crossing will be near Kitchener Link or Baboo Lane.

The Campbell Lane pedestrian crossing may also be closed if necessary. If this happens, the alternative crosswalk will be near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street.

Signs will be installed at all affected pedestrian crossings to help people get to the nearest alternative crossing.

Auxiliary police officers will also be deployed along the affected roads and intersections to regulate traffic and provide assistance to the public.

Given the large crowds expected in Little India over the festive period, people should be vigilant and protect their belongings, such as ensuring bags are closed and carried in front, police said.

It is also best not to keep a wallet in the back pocket.

Anyone caught illegally possessing, discharging or importing fireworks will be punished, police added.

From January 2023 to September 2024, 45 people were investigated for these offenses.

Penalties for violating the rules on illegal fireworks can be up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine for illegal possession, while those convicted of illegally setting off fireworks artifice can be sentenced to up to two years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

Those who misuse sparklers – for example by combining several sparklers at the same time – can also face a heavy penalty. They face up to a year or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Those who end up harming someone else with sparklers can be sentenced to prison for up to three years or fined, or both.

Little India and Geylang are part of a liquor control zone (LCZ), meaning no one can drink in public in these areas from 7 p.m. on October 30 until 7 a.m. on November 1.

Retailers who supply alcohol outside of permitted sales hours may have their liquor license revoked, police said.

Public drinking is prohibited in an LCZ from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays, while on weekends it is from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next day.

On the eve of public holidays, the same rule applies from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, while on public holidays it is from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next day.