Chikkamagaluru: Soon, travellers visiting tourist spots in the district, including Mullayanagiri, will be under CCTV surveillance. The Chikkamagaluru district administration has decided to install cameras to ensure tourist safety and curb illegal activities.
Background and Need for Surveillance
Several popular tourist hotspots have become hubs for illegal activities such as alcohol consumption and clashes between visitors and locals. Recently, a 14-year-old girl from Kerala, Sreenanda, died after falling from a hilltop, with her family raising suspicions over the circumstances of her death. In view of safety concerns and to better monitor visitors, authorities have decided to install CCTV cameras at vantage points. Officials said the presence of cameras is expected to deter criminal activities.
DC's Inspection and Directives
Deputy commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena visited Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri to assess the situation. He directed officials to install information signboards at suitable locations for the convenience of tourists. He also instructed that facilities for trekkers be improved and information boards be placed at strategic points. The DC further directed that proper garbage disposal measures be implemented at hill tourist spots, with dustbins placed where required.
Plastic-Free Zones and Waste Management
Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri areas have been declared plastic-free zones. Signboards will instruct visitors not to use plastic and to dispose of waste only in designated bins, assistant director of tourism Lohith said.
Local Response and Concerns
Locals welcomed the move but stressed the need for proper maintenance of the cameras. They pointed out that many existing CCTV cameras have become defunct due to poor upkeep and urged authorities to set up a dedicated control room to monitor the system. Tourist hotspots have increasingly turned into centres for illegal activities such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and misbehaviour by visitors. Such acts must be curbed, said Kiran of Chikkamagaluru.
