Karnataka imposes restrictions on tourists: Report

Bengaluru, March 5: The government of Karnataka has decided to enforce norms on foreign tourists partying late into the night in various hotspots across the state, a report in India Today said. Those found indulging in such acts will be profiled and their activities will be recorded and photographed, the report said.

On February 26, the state government issued a gazette notification making it compulsory for organisers of parties to inform the police about private parties and events taking place in the state in details. The organisers will also need to procure permission from the deputy commissioners of the concerned districts, the report said.

The police, if needed, can arrive at those parties to monitor activities of the revelers and record proceedings. The event themes should be in tune with the Indian tradition and the parties should end by 10 pm. Only parties happening in Bengaluru have been exempted.

Three years ago, the Udupi district administration had organised a tourism promotion event in association with a private agency where foreign visitors were seen indulging in drugs and other objectionable activities, the India Today report added. The incident had caused a major controversy since the party was held on an island considered a pilgrimage centre for the country's majority community.

Th neighbouring state of Goa has already imposed such restrictions on foreign tourists. Party organisers feel the decision by the Karnataka will have an adverse effect on the state's tourism industry.

Oneindia News