THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The numerous selfie-related deaths and accidents have had little impact on the tourists who photograph themselves at hazardous locations, say officials. The latest incident involves a youth falling off a cliff at Ponmudi sanatorium while clicking selfies this week. He is now battling for his life in a city hospital. Two migrant workers were washed away while clicking selfies at Azhimala beach two weeks ago.
Last year a Technopark employee from Andhra Pradesh was washed away while clicking selfies in front of high waves near Vizhinjam bollard. A month before that incident, a National Games participant who was striking a pose at Shangumugam died after he was knocked onto ground by waves from behind. The Mumbai police has already set up ‘no-selfie zones’ in certain areas adjacent to Arabian sea but tourist haven of Kerala is yet to take such a step. “These guys enter dangerous locations which should not be accessed at all,” says city police commissioner G. Sparjan Kumar.
“Policemen usually verbally warn tourists to be watchful about the intensity of the tide and heights but they would not listen. They want no control. Even a tsunami warning will not deter them; they will wait with phone cameras to catch the action instead.” The tourism officials said that such bans are not possible as lone travellers are here these days also to click selfies.
“Most mishaps in places such as Kovalam and Varkala happen because of Dutch courage after getting inebriated. Tourists will not be barred from anything but they are expected to observe self restraint,” said an official attached to DTPC. It is pertinent to note that selfies on or near railway track is punishable under section 174 of Railway Act for obstructing train. An attempt to suicide case can be registered if a picture is clicked on the tracks while a train is nearby, say RPF officials.
