The Darjeeling police have introduced two motorcycles and two van squads for emergency assistance in an effort to make tourists feel safe and comfortable in the Hills. The initiative was taken, after the project was flagged off from the Sadar police station, and due to the upcoming tourist season. According to Darjeeling SP Amarnath K, the police administration is prepared and hopes to provide assistance to the tourists whenever possible. Approximately, the annual number of visitors range from 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh domestic and 40,000 foreign tourists.
The Darjeeling police have also started a helpline (0354-2256356) as part of the arrangement where the tourists can call in case of any immediate assistance. The police are also putting an infrastructure in place so that the response to any call on the emergency number (100) is reduced to 10-15 minutes in the town area. To enhance the effectiveness of the program, the helplines would be displayed prominently at various spots and also at hotels and on the conveyances. The police had already introduced the “Pink Patrol”, an all-women police squad on the International Women’s Day on March 8. Irrespective of the distress calls being from the local or the tourists, the women’s squad would immediately take action on it. The visitors would be briefed on the dos and don’ts before entering the Hills, at the Tourist Welcome Centre(TWC) at Simulbari near Rohini at the foothills. The proper implementation of the rules and regulations would definitely ensure a wonderful experience for the tourists.