Karnataka plans ‘safe selfie’ campaign

BENGALURU: Concerned over the growing number of

‘selfie deaths

’, the Karnataka government has decided to launch an online campaign warning that “self-photography could cost you your life” and urge people to take a pledge to take selfies responsibly.

The state tourism department will simultaneously launch a statewide drive to identify dangerous spots and demarcate ‘Selfie Danger Zones’ at all major tourist places, to prevent fatalities. “Our campaign will appeal to tourists to use their smartphones smartly. We are in the process of developing online videos, pictures, posters, leaflets and caution boards to create awareness on the hazards of taking selfies at risky locations, like waterfalls, cliffs, wildlife and vehicles,” said tourism minister Priyank Kharge. Once dangerous selfie spots are identified and demarcated, the government plans to launch a billboard campaign at tourist sites with slogans like ‘Say No to Killfie’, ‘Take Selfies Responsibly’ and ‘Risky Selfie Thrills and Kills’.

The Uttar Pradesh state police recently took up the initiative to penalize people found clicking dangerous selfies at prominent public places. “We too received such suggestions, and I do believe it would help the cause of tourism. People visit a tourist place to take back memories, and selfies are their best bet, with the advent of the mobile phone. Selfies taken by tourists and posted on social media also helps our cause in the promotion of tourist spots,” Kharge said.

So why are some people willing to risk their lives to take the ultimate selfie? Sandeep Shetty, an adventure camp organizer said: “The craze for selfies among the younger generation is going from bad to worse, with the trend heading towards taking dangerous selfies to make shots unique and get more likes and comments on social media.”

The Union ministry of tourism last year had issued an advisory to mark ‘Selfie Danger Zone’ at

accident prone spots

, particularly near water bodies and hills. The advisory had also asked officials to barricade areas, wherever “possible danger” is identified, and encouraged r a i s i n g o f aw a r e n e s s through social and other media campaigns. “Though Karnataka had announced that it would take steps to set up signboards after identifying danger spots and zones, it woke up only after a spate of selfie deaths in the state recently. I hope the government doesn’t slip into sleep mode with polls round the corner,” said Sandeep.