In response to the rising incidents of selfie-related deaths in Goa, 24 points along the coast of Goa has been declared as ‘No Selfie’ zones.
The move has already been taken into action and signs will be installed at the ‘no-selfie’ points along with a toll-free number for emergencies and dos and don’ts while visiting the beaches in Goa.
‘No Selfie’ Zones:
Selfies will be restricted in areas Baga River, Dona Paula Jetty, Sinquerim Fort, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol, Kerim and the area between Bambolim and Siridao in North Goa.
In South Goa, the prohibited areas are Agonda, Bogmalo, Hollant, Baina, Japanese Garden, Betul, Canaguinim, Palolem, Khola, Cabo De Rama, Polem, Galgibagh, Talpona and Rajbagh.
Basically along every beach in the north and south zones of Goa.
Reason Behind The Ban:
The motive for the ‘No- Selfie’ zones is because of the number of deaths which have occurred due to slipping on rocks along the coast which provides a high vantage point for a selfie.
This move is being imposed by ‘Drishti Marine’ a state government-appointed private lifeguard agency. They have already put red flags on all the beaches marking them as ‘no swim’ zone and limit tourism activity to specific areas of the beaches.
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Strict actions will be taken against residents and tourists alike for violating the rules. Along with the usual lifeguards, two additional Drishti Marine lifeguards will be available at every lifeguard towers. The beaches are also being monitored by the Beach Safety Patrol.
Selfie Related Deaths In India:
This move is fitting as India is the home to the highest selfie-related deaths in the world.
In 2017, out of the 127 selfie-related deaths 76 were in India. The most recent incident being a 33-year-old woman falling to her death from the hills of Matheran while taking a selfie.
In a similar move, Southern Railways’ Salem division has decided to fine passengers Rs. 2000 for clicking selfies inside the station premises and repeated offenders will even be jailed for 6 months.
These new restrictions are a step towards reducing the selfie-related deaths. However, people should realise that a selfie of them doing something rare, something they think is exclusive is not worth the risk they take to get the selfie.
We all remember this guy!
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, NDTV + more
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