`Green Police’  in Karnataka’s 30 Tourist Spots

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jul 20: In a first of its kind initiativce, Karnataka has set up an exclusive security force, ``Green Police,’’ for ensuring the safety and security of both domestic and international tourists visiting important tourist destinations in the state.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who launched the Green Police force, comprising ex-servicemen and home guards at a function in Vidhana Soudha on Monday, said initially the green police units will be deployed across 30 prominent tourist destinations in the state like Badami, Aihole and Mysore, besides places of tourist interest in the Western Ghats and the idyllic beaches in the coastal region.

The state government decided to raise the exclusive security force for the protection of tourists after cases of robbery and attacks on tourists, including molestation, had been reported from different parts of the State.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa flags off Karnataka Tourism's Green Police at Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore on Monday July 20.  Ministers Katta Subramanya Naidu, Janardhan Reddy and and Dr V S Acharya Seen.

Green Police Personnel at the Launch of Karnataka Tourism's Green Police at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, July 20.

Dollu Kunita Perform During the Launch of Green Police at the Vidhana Soudha.

The Green Police personnel, who can be identified from their distinct uniforms, will be deployed at places of tourist interest.

Though Green Police personnel have no authority or power to take action against culprits, they will act as coordinators of security between tourists and the nearest police station.

Yeddyurappa felt the Green Police force should be able to instill a sense of security among the domestic and international tourists visiting different tourist spots in the state besides helping in promoting tourism in the state. ``In any case, we don’t want the state’s reputation as a peace-loving and hospitable state to be besmirched by the activities of anti-social elements,’’ he said.

Home minister Dr V S Acharya said Green Police personnel would be deployed for round-the-clock vigil at tourist destinations. ``Our objective is to ensure that the green police act as friend, philosopher and guide to tourists,’’ he said.

However, the state police will not shy away from their responsibility of providing fullest possible security to tourists, especially international tourists, he said.

``The help we receive from the Green Police will be of great value since they are going to be deployed round the clock,’’ he said.

Tourism minister G Janardhan Reddy clarified that the Green Police will not be an alternative to the existing state police. ``They will complement the State police so as to be of better help to tourists, who face any problem,’’ he said.

Tourism Secretary K Jothiramalingam, Director-General of Police (Home Guards) Jija Madhavan Harisingh and Tourism Director Viswanatha Reddy were also present on the occasion.