No specific security steps at tourist spots in state – The Times of India

Ranchi: Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, triggering a nationwide concern, security measures at Jharkhand’s tourist destinations, particularly waterfalls, remain unchanged.
The period between April and September marks the off-season for tourism in the state as most waterfalls run dry. Inspector general Amol Hmkar confirmed no special security alerts have been issued for tourists in the state. A senior police official mentioned that while general alerts are in place, no specific directives exist for tourist locations.
Notably, the tourism department maintains security at select properties like Patratu Dam and hires ‘paryatak mitras’ (tourist friends) to oversee safety at the waterfalls. These ‘paryatak mitras’ monitor visitors to prevent accidents, particularly drowning. Raj Kishore Prasad, the president of the Jharkhand Paryatak Suraksha Samiti and ‘paryatak mitra’ at Hundru, said, “We maintain constant vigil at waterfalls and police patrolling remains intermittent. Currently, significant crowds gather only on weekends.” The tourism department relies on its existing security infrastructure with ‘paryatak mitras’ serving as the primary safety monitors at natural tourist hubs.