By Pallab Ghosh

In the wake of commonwealth-games when around 10,000 foreigners besides 10,000 sportsmen and women are expected to throng the city, the Delhi government which is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the city by constructing malls and flyovers suddenly realized the plight of those numerous domestic and foreign tourists visiting Delhi out of love and charm for the city and often land up being harassed by the touts who promise them affordable and good accommodation or transportation to reach their destinations. The Delhi government is now planning to bring a ‘Delhi Tourist Safety Act’ ensuring the safety and memorable stay of the tourists in Delhi and put an end to the harassment caused to them.

Though the draft which is at a very nascent stage but there can be no argument to the fact that a law such as this one was required for over a long time as this would not only ensure the safety of the tourists but also will enable them to enjoy their trip to the city and Agra which is often why they prefer to make Delhi as a transit on the way to go to Agra and other north Indian places. “I have been to the city quite a number of times and it is the charm of the city brings me here but I remember the first time I came here and was harassed by a cab driver near the international airport”, recalled Suaaze, British national. Many like him have faced similar incidents and the list could go on. Another travel enthusiast just back from Agra said, “Delhi is wonderful but one need to do something of the auto and cabs charging exorbitant from tourists and also misbehaving”. In such a situation a law is enforced would definitely be of some respite to those odd tourists who don’t know what to do after getting cheated in the city as going to police may not be safe option seeing the reputation of the police which proudly say “for you, with you, always”.

However, the draft will take in to consideration all aspects relating to safety measure provided to both the domestic and foreign tourists. The proposed Delhi Tourists Safety Act is being discussed to ensure that all aspects related to tourists’ safety in the city are covered by it and will be tabled after it is discussed with all the concerned authorities. “I have no idea about this act but if it is implemented it would certainly be of great help to the tour operators as it is we face the brunt because of the harassment caused to our guest and they often distrust all the operators in the city”, said a tour operator in Cannought Place, New Delhi. Fine and punishment against those found guilty is also under consideration.