New safety norms for houseboats in Kerala
Special squad raids many boats; registers cases against five for violating rules.
ALAPPUZHA: The district police has begun a drive to enforce safety and security in houseboats, homestays and resorts here. A special squad constituted by district police chief (DPC) S. Surendran raided many boats and registered cases against five for violating rules and the foreign registration Act.
“Many operators are hesitant to register the names of foreigners who stay in houseboats, resorts or homestays. The names and addresses of foreign tourists must be informed to the Crime Branch and the C-form should be filled online,” the DPC said.
It has been found that criminal elements among houseboat employees misbehave with tourists. So the police will continue the inspections, the DPC said.
A meeting of houseboat owners, operators and employees was convened a few weeks ago after a foreign tourist was molested in a boat by an employee.