Dehradun, 1 Sep 2007
If there is a plan to visit Nainital, famous for its lakes, tourists would be required to produce identity proof to hire a cab or even to book rooms in a hotel.
Rising criminal activities, involving culprits disguised as travellers, and the frequent terrorist attacks all over the country has compelled the police department to churn out a full proof security system in Nainital. Recently a cab was looted by some criminals disguised as tourists in Nainital, and in the absence of proper information the police took a lot of time to crack down the case. In many cases, however, they are clueless.
“After the blasts which rocked Hyderabad and instances of crime here, it was decided to tighten security and take some additional precautionary measures to avert untoward incidents,” said Mr GS Martonlia, SSP, Nainital.
He further added that “Nainital is a popular tourist spot where people come from all over the world and our concern is to make them feel secure.”
Digital cameras have been placed up at two entry points in the lake city. “Tourists would be photographed while entering and leaving the city, and this would ensure that we have a record which could be used if needed,” Mr Martonlia said.
Apart from this, all the hotel owners have been instructed to install CCTV cameras at the entrance and the reception. The hotels and the travels agents have been instructed to entertain tourists only after the confirmation of their identities.
In the absence of identification proofs, the tourist would have to provide the telephone numbers of friends and relatives from whom their identities could be cross-checked.
While talking about the strengthening of the security system Mr Martonlia said that “detailed information about the tourists is necessary so that during crises the police can have valuable clues. The police have provided the hotels with a list of instructions which are to be followed by them. “We are also paying surprise visits to the hotels to do check-ups,:Mr Martonlia said.
News Source: http://www.thestatesman.net