Government plans cameras at tourist spots to allay security fears

NEW DELHI: Persistent reports that India is unsafe for tourists, especially women, have prompted the government to put eyes on the ground. The tourism ministry will set up web cameras in locations of high tourist interest including malls, discotheques and monuments that will live-stream on its website to show travelers that even if there are incidents of a blast, riot or rape in an area, other places are free from disturbances and safe to visit.

The live webcams are also an effort to counter travel advisories by foreign countries on a real-time basis. Sources said five locations for each state had been identified as part of the pilot project. Incidentally, tourist haven Egypt had used live-streaming of its Red Sea resorts last year after the political crisis left tourism limping in the country.

After the Delhi gang-rape in December 2013 and a series of other incidents, most countries carry specific advisories for India cautioning women travelers against traveling alone, advising them on dressing conservatively and exercising caution while taking cabs or public transport.

"We plan to establish web cameras in five places in each state for now. This is to allow tourists to see for themselves that one incident of law and order problem or disaster in another place is restricted to just that area and that India being a vast country remains largely unaffected,'' a source said.

Sources said that the plan had met with enthusiastic response from states. While Karnataka has sought 14 cameras, Maharashtra would like 25, Jharkhand has sought assistance for six, Manipur eight. Other states to have shown interest include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Kerala. The ministry plans to provide complete financial assistance to the states.

Officials hope this will also promote places of tourist interest along the lines of Times Square. There are plans afoot to replicate the Times Square experience at Kala Ghoda in Maharashtra. Sources said talks with the state government were already in final stages of discussion to live stream performances, street art and events from Kala Ghoda.