Centre wants states to ensure selfie-control

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday asked states to identify and barricade ‘selfie danger’ areas, the first attempt to curb a growing craze for the perfect shot

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday asked states to identify and barricade ‘selfie danger’ areas, the first attempt to curb a growing craze for the perfect shot that has led to several fatalities in the country in the past couple of years.

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Though there are no official data on the number of people who died taking selfies on their mobile phones, reports said at least 54 people were killed since 2014 in India.

Last year, India recorded the highest number of selfie deaths— 15 out of 27— in the world, according to a Washington Post report.

Officials said the tourism ministry asked states to identify the risky spots, install warning signs visitors and barricade areas wherever possible danger is identified.

The letter signed by ministry additional director general Meenakshi Sharma also recommended posting volunteers or tourist police at such places.

States such as Maharashtra and Karnataka have already identified selfie danger zones and put up warning signs.

Mumbai police identified at least 16 danger zones in the city after a man drowned earlier this year while trying to save a girl who fell into the sea while taking a selfie.

Experts say selfies have become an attention-seeking activity for youths trying to find self-esteem in the ‘likes’ and comments on social media platforms.