Mumbai: Maharashtra will soon put in place a policy to ensure maximum security and safety at places where taking a selfie would be hazardous. The decision comes following the death of eight youths at the Vena reservoir near Nagpur last month. It is believed that the 11 people on the boat came on one side of the boat to take selfies and shoot videos, which were later posted on Facebook.
Minister for Home Ranjit Patil informed the Assembly on Thursday that an integrated policy will soon be created with the help of three departments: Home, Urban Development and Tourism. The departments have already identified 29 selfie points in the State, which will be classified as dangerous. The 29 spots include six beaches in Mumbai (Girgaum, Gorai, Versova, Dadar, Juhu, Aksa).
All these places will have additional life guards, high-quality boats, and equipment. A special police force will be deployed at the spots. Mr. Patil also said that informative literature will be provided to police officials and the general public about the dangers.
This is not the first time selfie regulations are being put in place. The Mumbai Police had last year identified 16 spots as dangerous mostly near beaches and forts. The move was in response to the drowning of three girls while clicking selfies at Bandra.
The police then put up banners at the spots warning tourists. The BMC too got involved and had posted more lifeguards. The spots are in Bandra, Mahim, Juhu, Colaba, Marine Drive, Sion, Worli and Gorai. The police had then declared that the spots are banned for taking selfies.
