During monsoon, a large number of tourists come out to enjoy nature as well as waterfalls, lakes, dams and beaches, so in order to avoid loss of life and finance to tourists at those places, Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) from all the three zones under section 144 (1) (2) of Criminal Procedure Code 1973. Prohibitory orders have been imposed on all the tourist places like waterfalls, lakes, dams and on beaches that fall under the Mira Bhayandar – Vasai Virar (MBVV) Commissionarate jurisdiction.
MBVV jurisdiction has many beaches. This area also attracts a large number of tourist spots. On Thursday, Zone 2 DCP Sanjaykumar Patil issued the circular while on Friday his counterparts from Zone 1 and Zone 3, DCP Amit Kale and DCP Prashant V Waghunde respectively.
The restriction is on the 1 K.M areas from these tourist spots.
The preventive order imposed by Deputy Commissioners of Police includes entering into fast-flowing water due to heavy rain, entering deep inside the water on the beaches, and going to the source of a waterfall. Taking selfies at places that are dangerous, drinking in the vicinity of a natural waterfall, and consuming alcohol in the open, and near the beaches are also restricted. On Thursday, a video went viral on social media of a bunch of youth consuming beer on the rocks near Velankanni beach, whereas one drunken guy was trapped in the waves during the high tide.
Stopping vehicles on traffic roads as well as at dangerous places, driving vehicles at excessive speed, and overtaking other vehicles in a dangerous manner is also included in the rules of circular. Throwing food, garbage, thermocol and plastic materials in open public places, harassing women in public places, teasing, obscene scenes and obscene gestures are also prohibited by the DCPs. The orders have been imposed till 28th July 2022 at midnight on all tourist places.