Tourist Safety Top Priority as Puri Hotels Get New Directives
Puri Police have issued a detailed set of directives for all hotels, guest houses, and lodging facilities as the city prepares for its peak tourist season. In a coordination meeting with hotel owners and managers, authorities outlined a multi-point plan focused on enhancing tourist safety, enforcing operational discipline, and tackling online fraud.
Enhanced Physical Security Mandates
The new rules mandate comprehensive CCTV surveillance. Hotels must install cameras at all entrances, exits, corridors, reception areas, and on every floor. Crucially, this footage must be securely stored for a minimum of 30 days. Hoteliers are also required to conduct thorough background checks on all employees. A detailed daily logbook of all guests, including their Aadhaar details and contact numbers, is now mandatory. Authorities also reiterated that no minor is permitted to check-in without a parent or guardian.
Combating Online and Financial Fraud
A significant focus of the meeting was the growing threat of cybercrime. Police have instructed hotel owners to regularly monitor the internet for fake websites or fraudulent online listings that impersonate their properties. Any such suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the Puri Cyber Police Station at 8280491300. Furthermore, hotels must report any suspicious guest behavior to the local police station's Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) without delay. For foreign nationals, information must be relayed to the Superintendent of Police's office via the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO).
Guest Safety and Emergency Response
Physical safety measures were also stressed. All establishments must maintain valid and current Fire Safety and Electrical Safety certificates. For beachside properties, staff must actively warn tourists against bathing in deep or dangerous sections of the sea. If any anti-social activities are observed, staff are instructed to call the local police or the 112 emergency helpline.
To ensure tourists have direct access to help, hotels must prominently display and provide guests with the new Tourist Helpline number (6370967100) and local police contacts. Officials stated these measures are essential to protect visitors and preserve Puri's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
