According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, Karnataka Tourism will deploy at least 650 ex-servicemen as ‘green police’ in the state to look after the security and provide guidance to tourists.
Addressing the travel and tourism trade yesterday in the state, G Janardhana, Reddy, Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Karnataka said, “This is the first time ‘green police guides’ will be enrolled for the security and assistance of tourists. These policemen will be provided with a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000, uniform and ID cards to distinguish them from other policemen.” He said that the tourism budget, which was Rs 16 crore two years ago has been raised to Rs 223 crore this year. Karnataka attracted Rs 1,500 crore private investment in the field of tourism during the last one year.
Noting that the state has some surprises awaiting tourists at virtually every turn, Reddy said, "The state is home to two world heritage sites, 44 major monuments, five national parks and 21 wildlife sanctuaries. |