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?Tourism Police? to protect pilgrims
Occasional mishappenings with foreign tourists often mar the image of the country which has been generously given the catchy phrase of 'Incredible India'. But now, the Tourism Department has undertaken steps which will certainly recognise the country's identity with its slogan of 'Atithi Devo Bhav' coined by the ancestors.
Occasional mishappenings with foreign tourists often mar the image of the country which has been generously given the catchy phrase of 'Incredible India'.
But now, the Tourism Department has undertaken steps which will certainly recognise the country's identity with its slogan of 'Atithi Devo Bhav' coined by the ancestors.
The department will be extra cautious during the Ardh Kumbh Mela-2007 to avoid any mishappening with any tourist or pilgrim.
For the purpose, the department has planned to deploy the ex-servicemen as Tourism Police who will keep a watch on the people harassing pilgrims specially foreigners visiting the city.
According to RK Yadav, regional tourist officer, atleast 30 retired military personnel will be deployed during the Ardh Kumbh fair. "Sainik Parishad will provide the necessary personnel who will be asked to position themselves at strategic places like Sangam area, railway station, bus station and other entry points to city as these are the spots where from the miscreants follow their probable victims.
The most common incidents which occur with the tourists are looting, asking for extra charge by rickshaw-puller etc. No major case of murder and rape have yet been registered here so far. But we have to be careful and take the precautionary measures beforehand," said Yadav.
The retired military personnel will be appointed on the posts of sub-inspector level and other lower cadre. "They will have direct contact with the SSP and other high level officials. People could contact them if they find that they are being harassed, cheated or during any other kind of emergency. They will take action by detaining the culprit and informing the officials to take further action against them," said Yadav.
The Tourist Police will have totally different dress code so that they could be spotted anywhere.
"They will be dressed up in light blue shirt and navy blue trousers. A navy blue cap has also been included in their overall uniform," he added.
The Tourism Police will now be deployed in the city permanently since the inflow of tourists continues here for the year round, said Yadav. Such force has already been deployed in Varanasi, Agra and Lucknow, he informed.