Representative image of tourists at the Mumbai Indian Gateway | Image source: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Maharashtra government established the “Tourism Security Force (Paryatan Mitra)” to promote tourism and prioritize tourism security in the state. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said his goal is to provide tourists with a safe and safe experience through this initiative.
Maharashtra Tourism Security Forces will be based on a pilot project during the Mahabaleshwar Festival in Satara District, which will be held from May 1 to May 4.
The Ministry of Tourism will appoint tourism police on a contract basis to create a sense of security among tourists entering the state. “The force will also provide necessary information about culture, history, tourism venues, laws, rules and tourism and promote sustainable tourism,” Mr Desai said.
The Ministry of Tourism has directed the National Security Council and Maharashtra Former Waiter Co., Ltd. (MESCO) to submit employee details as soon as possible.
“The launch of the Tourism Security Force will bring new life to the tourism industry while creating new jobs in the local area,” Mr Desai said.
The force will receive special training to guide and protect visitors and have modern technology and coordination systems to respond immediately in emergencies. Facilities such as CCTV, hotline service hotline and direct response system will be available at tourist destinations.
Chief Secretary Atul Patne also mentioned that this is a positive step in creating a safety shield for tourists. “This will bring visitors into the tourism industry and bring economic benefits to the local community,” Patern said.
Mahabaleshwar Festival
The pilot project will be implemented during the Mahabaleshwar Festival, where 25 personnel will be appointed through the office of the Satala District Police Department. According to the festival’s plan, these personnel will be provided with the necessary training to ensure the safety of visitors. The force will continue to operate from April 25 to August 31, 2025.
The Satara Police Department will appoint senior officials to ensure that personnel perform their duties. Spends for the plan will be coordinated by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation with the offices of Maharashtra National Security Corporation and Satara Regional Police.
After successful pilot implementation at the Mahabaleshwar Music Festival, the “Maharashtra Tourism Security Force” will be established for the entire state of Maharashtra. According to the initiative, a target of Rs 10,000 of private investment and 1.8 million direct and indirect employment has been set in the tourism industry.
publishing – April 29, 2025 at 11:33 am IST
