In Pahalgam aftermath, focus on state’s tourism security infra
Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Odisha govt has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of its tourist security infrastructure along with plans to bolster the existing tourist police cells.
“The attack on tourists is highly condemnable. We have started reviewing safety measures at tourist places in our state. Strengthening of the tourist police cells is being examined by Odisha Police,” tourism minister Pravati Parida said.
Parida, who holds the position of deputy chief minister, emphasised visitors’ safety, highlighting Odisha’s cultural heritage, brotherhood and communal harmony.
The tourism department, collaborating with Odisha police, has begun evaluating current security protocols at key tourist locations. Their primary objective is strengthening tourist police cells, which provide essential protection to visitors.
In 2015, eight tourist police cells were established — three in Bhubaneswar (Lingaraj, Dhauli and Nandankanan police stations); three in Puri (Sea Beach, Konark and Brahmagiri police stations); and one each at Gopalpur and Chandipur police stations — to safeguard tourists.
Sources said the existing tourist police cells are experiencing operational difficulties due to limited infrastructure and shortage of personnel. These units currently function with existing police station staff.
These cells primarily receive complaints about robbery and theft from tourists. There have also been reports of harassment of tourists in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
“We have requested Odisha police to strengthen these existing cells with adequate manpower and other infrastructure. Need for more tourist police cells, if required, may be considered,” state tourism secretary Balwant Singh told TOI.
The revamped security strategy is likely to include heightened police visibility at tourist sites, additional CCTV cameras, and improved surveillance systems. Tourist police cells will receive modern communication equipment and extra staff to ensure swift emergency responses.
“We will also conduct regular security audits and training programmes for tourism stakeholders. This includes hotel staff, tour operators, and local guides who will be trained in basic security protocols and emergency response procedures,” a tourism official said.
The state received about 1.09 crore domestic and 53,392 foreign tourists in 2024, with Puri, Konark and Chilika lake being key attractions.
“The attack on tourists is highly condemnable. We have started reviewing safety measures at tourist places in our state. Strengthening of the tourist police cells is being examined by Odisha Police,” tourism minister Pravati Parida said.
Parida, who holds the position of deputy chief minister, emphasised visitors’ safety, highlighting Odisha’s cultural heritage, brotherhood and communal harmony.
The tourism department, collaborating with Odisha police, has begun evaluating current security protocols at key tourist locations. Their primary objective is strengthening tourist police cells, which provide essential protection to visitors.
In 2015, eight tourist police cells were established — three in Bhubaneswar (Lingaraj, Dhauli and Nandankanan police stations); three in Puri (Sea Beach, Konark and Brahmagiri police stations); and one each at Gopalpur and Chandipur police stations — to safeguard tourists.
Sources said the existing tourist police cells are experiencing operational difficulties due to limited infrastructure and shortage of personnel. These units currently function with existing police station staff.
These cells primarily receive complaints about robbery and theft from tourists. There have also been reports of harassment of tourists in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
“We have requested Odisha police to strengthen these existing cells with adequate manpower and other infrastructure. Need for more tourist police cells, if required, may be considered,” state tourism secretary Balwant Singh told TOI.
The revamped security strategy is likely to include heightened police visibility at tourist sites, additional CCTV cameras, and improved surveillance systems. Tourist police cells will receive modern communication equipment and extra staff to ensure swift emergency responses.
“We will also conduct regular security audits and training programmes for tourism stakeholders. This includes hotel staff, tour operators, and local guides who will be trained in basic security protocols and emergency response procedures,” a tourism official said.
The state received about 1.09 crore domestic and 53,392 foreign tourists in 2024, with Puri, Konark and Chilika lake being key attractions.
