Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 15: Deputy commissioner (DC) of Dakshina Kannada district Dr Rajendra K V who also happens to be the chairman of the district tourism committee of the district, has advised homestays and service apartments in the district to be managed in accordance with the law and never to allow any unauthorised and illegal activities.

The DC noted that about 32 homestay schemes have been approved in the district in order to effectively promote tourism activities, financial encouragement and to extend hospitality duly introducing our culture and art forms.

He said that it is mandatory for the homestays to obtain no-objection letters from the police station and local administrative bodies concerned and register with the tourism department through online filing of details. They can start functioning only after getting permission. Homestays cannot be compared with paying guest hostels or service apartments and other such residential facilities. Homestays which are being operated without registering with the department of tourism are treated as unauthorised ones and action against them will be taken. Even when the homestays have obtained official permission, if they are allowing any authorised or illegal activities, the same are treated as punishable offences under the Indian Penal Code. The homestays need to be run in a way that local residents do not face any problems and public interest is not sacrificed.

In a letter addressed to the city police commissioner, district superintendent of police, chief executive officer, city corporation commissioner and others, the DC instructed them to find out homestays which are either being run without approval, and those which are approved but allowing illegal, unauthorised activities, and take suitable steps.