HC directs state to draft policy to ensure safety of tourists

Observing that it was the state's responsibility to ensure safety of tourists and students, the Bombay High Court directed Maharashtra government today to draft a policy to keep tab on trekking camps organised by unregistered tour operators, within three months.
A division bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and S C Gupte was hearing a PIL filed by a city-based couple who lost their teenage son on a trek conducted by a private organiser.
According to the PIL filed by Anil Mahajan and his wife, their only son Harshal had gone for a trek organised by Pune- based group Sahyadhri Adventure Foundation in 2006 to Himachal Pradesh.

However, Harshal had health problems and died due to shortage of oxygen at a high altitude.
The petition claimed the tour operator was not able to handle the emergency medical situation.
The bench was irked when informed that despite a direction given to the government last year to draft the policy, no steps had been taken till date.
The court observed that tourism has increased, especially during the monsoon season, and steps have to be taken to ensure safety of tourists.