The Chikkamagaluru district administration has announced the installation of CCTV cameras at popular tourist destinations, including Mullayanagiri, to bolster visitor safety and deter illegal activities. This decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns over incidents such as alcohol consumption, clashes between tourists and locals, and the recent death of a 14-year-old girl from Kerala, Sreenanda, who fell from a hilltop under suspicious circumstances.
Enhanced Monitoring at Tourist Spots
Authorities plan to place cameras at strategic vantage points to monitor visitor behavior and prevent criminal acts. Deputy Commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena, after visiting Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri, directed officials to install information signboards for tourist convenience and improve facilities for trekkers. Additionally, proper garbage disposal measures, including dustbins, will be implemented at hill stations.
Plastic-Free Zones and Waste Management
Both Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri have been declared plastic-free zones. Signboards will instruct visitors to avoid plastic usage and dispose of waste only in designated bins, according to Assistant Director of Tourism Lohith.
Local Reactions and Concerns
While locals have welcomed the initiative, they emphasize the need for regular maintenance of the cameras. Many existing CCTV systems have become defunct due to poor upkeep. Residents urge the establishment of a dedicated control room to monitor the surveillance network effectively.
Kiran, a resident of Chikkamagaluru, stated that tourist hotspots have increasingly become hubs for illegal activities such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and misbehavior, which must be curbed through such measures.
