In a proactive move to ensure a safe and orderly New Year's Eve, the Udupi district police convened a crucial meeting with hospitality stakeholders this week. The gathering, held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, brought together owners of hotels, lodges, homestays, and resorts to delineate a clear set of precautionary measures and legal mandates for the upcoming festive period.
Key Directives from Senior Police Officials
The meeting was conducted under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar. Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada took the lead in briefing participants on the essential safety protocols and statutory regulations that must be observed during the celebrations. The session also saw the presence of Manipal police inspector Mahesh Prasad and PSI Harish from the CEN crime police station, who contributed to the discussions.
A central point of emphasis was strict adherence to Supreme Court directives concerning noise pollution. Owners were instructed to cease the use of loudspeakers by 10 pm and ensure all events conclude within the legally prescribed time limits. The police explicitly cautioned against organizing campfires or playing music at high volumes that could disturb local residents.
Enhanced Safety for Homestays and Tourist Activities
Specific and stringent guidelines were issued for homestay operators, particularly concerning guest safety. Authorities mandated the implementation of robust safety and security measures for all patrons, with special attention to foreign tourists.
A critical new rule requires homestay owners to seek prior intimation and permission from the jurisdictional police station before taking tourists to isolated, peripheral, or forested areas. The police made it unequivocally clear that owners would be held legally accountable for any untoward incidents involving miscreants or wild animals if such excursions are conducted without official approval from the police or forest department.
Further instructions included ensuring all guest vehicles are parked within the premises without causing public inconvenience. The police also issued a strict prohibition on any illegal or immoral activities taking place on the property.
Mandatory CCTV and Event Management Protocols
To bolster security and accountability, the police have made the installation of CCTV cameras covering all outer areas of the properties compulsory. Furthermore, the footage from these cameras must be stored and backed up for a minimum period of three months, aiding any potential investigations.
For event organizers, the police reiterated that prior permission remains mandatory for using loudspeakers during New Year festivities. Programs that insult or target any specific caste or religion were strictly prohibited. Owners were also directed to take adequate precautions to manage guests consuming alcohol, preventing any public nuisance or incidents, and to ensure all programs end on time. Full cooperation with the police to maintain public order was stressed as a non-negotiable requirement.
This comprehensive briefing by the Udupi police underscores a determined effort to balance festive celebrations with community safety, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility, setting a clear framework for hospitality providers as the year draws to a close.
