Chief Secretary Flags off New Tourist Police Vehicles for A&N Police
Port Blair, Oct. 4: Ushering in a new era of safety and security for the tourists visiting the Islands, the Chief Secretary A&N Islands, Sh. Chetan B. Sanghi, IAS, in the presence of Sh. Dependra Pathak, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands and other senior officers of A&N Administration and A&N Police, flagged off 14 new vehicles for the Tourist Police Ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Cellular Jail, National Memorial, the ceremony witnessed the flag-off of four four-wheelers and 10 motorcycles which will be deployed across the Islands at various tourist spots. The launch of these vehicles is another attempt at making the tourists visiting the Islands feel more comfortable and safe, especially in view of the concerns regarding the pandemic Covid-19. The vehicles will also help assure tourists of the necessary provisions being made for their safety from the pandemic by the Police and Administration, and also act as means of enforcement of the necessary norms of social distancing, masks and hand hygiene.
The vehicles are equipped with specialized communication systems and PA systems to make regular announcements, and all the staff deployed therein has been specially trained in Soft Skills to make sure they can interact and guide the tourists accordingly. The motorcycles are also equipped with specialized PA systems aimed at making sure that distant tourist spots are also covered and patrolling in the nearby areas is also done regularly.
The Tourist Police Ecosystem of A&N Police was revamped and launched in December, 2018 with a revised focus on making the tourists visiting the islands feel safe and cared for with creation of ecofriendly kiosks at various popular tourist locations across the Islands. These booths have since become an iconic addition and have become a source of comfort for the multitude of visitors who come to see the serene beauty of the islands. The kiosks have reunited lost children, recovered lost articles and have helped make tourist attractions safer, giving a fillip to the tourism in the Islands. The current vehicles have been included as part of the Phase-I of the Tourist Police scheme and more kiosks and vehicles are to be included soon under upcoming phases of the scheme. With the launch of these vehicles A&N Police hopes to extend its reach and to make sure that the Islands, and their natural beauty are enjoyed by all in a safe and sound manner. The Tourist Police can be reached at their helpline number 155307.