Bhopal: Sunday night’s incident near Kolar Dam that claimed lives of six youths has brought state government’s failure to fulfill its promise of tourist police to the fore. A few years back, the state government had announced with fanfare that tourist police would be set to protect visitors at tourist spots across the state. However, the promise was soon forgotten.
Apart from state government’s failure, lack of public awareness, absence of police patrolling and administration’s failure to keep a tab on visitors at dangerous spots are to be blamed for Sunday night’s mishap that claimed lives of six youths. In absence of policing, several tourist spots situated away from population have turned into favourite spots of booze lovers.
Kerwa Dam, Kolar Dam, Kaliyasoth Dam, Ajnaal Dam, Siyaganj, Bhadbhada and Halali Dam are few picturesque spots around the city often frequented by Bhopalites. The Kolar Dam area is mostly frequented by young couples, especially college students. However, neither police nor homeguards are deployed at these spots. No effort has been made by the administration to check liquor consumption and other anti-social activities in these areas.
Despite being aware of the danger, tourists visiting Kerwa Dam often move towards dangerous area in forests that is called ‘Maut Ka Kuan’. This despite the fact that visitors’ movement has have been restricted in the above-mentioned area following tiger movement.
Teams from police and forest department visit these areas only after incidents like the one that claimed six lives on Sunday night. Contacted, Inspector general (IG) of Bhopal police Jaydeep Prasad said that patrolling is carried out whenever the police receive complaints of illegal activities in these areas. “We will step up vigil at tourist spots if necessary,” he added.
