Beware of clicking selfies the next time you visit Saputara! Also, make sure you keep this rule in mind when visiting any other tourist spot in Dang district.
As per the latest reports, Dang is Gujarat’s first district to impose such a ban, especially at places that attract a huge number of tourists. So yes, if you are caught taking a selfie at any tourist spot in Dang, you will be committing a crime that will invite police action.
Additional District Magistrate TK Damor issued the said public notification, dated June 23, which prohibits anyone from taking selfies in tourist spots. Reportedly, the notification also prohibits locals from entering any water bodies or rivers during monsoon to bathe, wash clothes, or do any other work to prevent accidents. The notification warns that if anybody is caught violating the said order, they will be booked under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).
Referring to the ban, the Magistrate further added that with the start of monsoon, there has been a huge influx of tourists in Dang. He added that while enjoying nature, many people act irresponsibly by taking selfies which lead to accidents that could prove fatal. That is the main reason why this notification has been put into place to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
He elaborated that the administration noticed that taking selfies was not limited to tourists hotspots only, but is also prevalent at places like cliffs, roads, rivers, and waterfalls. He also stated that prohibitory orders have been issued for the entire district, considering such risky behaviour of people.
