Assam to launch ‘Tourist Police’ initiative for enhanced visitor safety

GUWAHATI: In a proactive move to enhance the safety and security of tourists visiting Assam, the state's tourism department is gearing up to introduce a specialized “tourist police” initiative.

This initiative forms a crucial component of the new Assam Tourism (Development and Registration) Bill 2024, responding to a notable increase in tourist arrivals observed post-COVID.

The proposed scheme, already implemented in states like Goa and Kerala, aims to establish specialized units, tourist police stations and necessary infrastructure across Assam to ensure the well-being of visitors state-wide.

According to a statement from an Assam tourism department official cited in a national daily, this legislative framework not only aims to provide a robust structure for the tourism sector but also mandates every accommodation facility to register with the tourism department.

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As per reports, the envisioned tourist police units will conduct comprehensive inspections of tourist spots, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.

The concept of “tourist police” was initially introduced nationwide in 2022, with directives from the union tourism ministry urging all states and union territories to establish dedicated units.

This collaborative effort with the ministry of home affairs (MHA) seeks to formulate comprehensive frameworks encompassing standard operating procedures, training programs, and uniform guidelines for tourist police officers.

Assam's tourism sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with tourist footfall reaching 98.31 lakh in 2023, a substantial increase from 17.03 lakh in 2022.