The Bombay High Court on Friday recommended that the Maharashtra government should come out with a comprehensive policy on safety at tourist places, including beaches.
The Bombay High Court on Friday recommended that the Maharashtra government should come out with a comprehensive policy on safety at tourist places, including beaches. The HC said that safer beaches would increase tourism in the state.
The court is hearing a petition on the issue of beach safety filed by NGO Janhit Manch in 2006. It had pulled up the government on the last occasion following the tragedy at Murud beach where 14 college students drowned.
“Tourism is increasing. This (safety measures) will increase tourism activity. You should form a comprehensive policy (on safety measures at tourist places),” the bench said, advising the government to examine the safety measures in Goa, which is famous for its beaches.
“Everywhere in the world tourism is big industry,” the court observed, adding that it has a great earning potential.
The judge added there should be watchtowers and lights on the beaches apart from lifeguards, and there must be clear instructions on every beach as to how far it would be safer to go in the sea, as this would vary from beach to beach. “People who visit do not know about beaches, the dangers of going into the sea. You must inform them,” the court said.
Referring to 2006 GR on the issue of beach safety, the court said there should be an “implementation monitoring cell”. “Everything is there on paper....the problem in our country is implementation. We expect the government to form a comprehensive policy in view of the safety of tourists,” the judge said adjourning the hearing for four weeks.
