Home Guards watch over DK district beaches

www.mangaloretoday.com

Mangaluru, June 10, 2018: In view of ensuring zero casualties during the rainy season, the district administration has deployed a host of measures, including deploying Home Guards at the beaches, and placing signboards there. Violating warning signs at the beaches in Dakshina Kannada could put you in serious troubles.

These Home Guards in khaki have also been given the licence to cane unruly visitors below their knees.A total three Home Guards will man each beach.

A total 24 Home Guards are deployed in eight beaches - Ullal, Someshwar, Mogaveerpatna, Tanneerbhavi upper beach, Tanneerbhavi lower beach, Panambur, Sasihithlu and Mulki, to prevent visitors from venturing into the rough sea from June to August.

The decision to use Home Guards comes in the backdrop of a similar successful initiative last year. The administrators realized the importance of deploying men in khaki as visitors are increasingly seen ignoring warnings of life guards, who were primarily appointed for the task.

"The idea of deploying Home Guards is that people fear khaki. They will also use lathis if required. Our intention is to ensure zero casualties," said Muralee Mohan Choontharu, district commandant, Home Guards.

Most of these men have undergone month-long training, to tackle flood situations, in Bengaluru. However, as they are not expert swimmers in the sea, lifeguards and local fishermen who are well versed with swimming in the sea, will also join hands in the venture.

In addition to rain coats, rain boots, tyres and life jackets, the Home Guards are also provided with a public address system, through which they can reach out to visitors in a 100-metre radius from them.

A tender has also been awarded to supply eight tents, so that Home Guards have a shelter while taking their breaks. The Home Guards will operate during peak hours-in the morning and evening.

Ropes marking boundary lines for visitors, will also be in place.