Corporators Abhishek Ghosalkar and Ramashish Gupta say beaches and other possibly dangerous locations should be designated as strict no-selfie zones in order to prevent mishaps
'But first, let me take a selfie' may be the current mantra for the city's youth, but the next time they're at the beach, it might be wiser not to whip out their phones. Clicking selfies on the city's coastline could soon be banned, if corporators Abhishek Ghosalkar and Ramashish Gupta have their way.
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Also read: When 'selfie fever' turned serious and claimed lives
Bandra Bandstand is a popular place for selfies, and it was because of this that the drownings took place here last month. FIle pic for representation
They have raised a point of order in the BMC general assembly, seeking a ban on selfies at possibly dangerous locations. This demand comes in the wake of the drownings at Bandra Bandstand last month, where three girls fell into the water while clicking pictures. One of the girl's died, as well as a local who jumped in to save the other two girls. There was much uproar in the city at the time and there were demands to step up security at such locations.
Also read: Taking a selfie turns tragic at Bandra; girl, rescuer feared drowned
With this backdrop, the two corporators have moved a notice of motion in the general assembly to ban selfies and fine those caught taking them. They have also demanded that boards be put up declaring no-selfie zones and security be installed to ensure rules are followed.
Ghosalkar has also demanded that CCTV cameras be installed at beaches and other public places. The corporators' proposal will be discussed in the assembly on February 15.
“In a lot of western countries, certain locations have been declared as no-selfie zones. They have realised the potential danger of the habit, and even psychologists have termed it as a kind of disorder. That is why I have demanded that the civic body identify such locations and declare them as no-selfie zones. Those caught clicking pictures there should be fined. The fine is not the most important part. The objective is to discourage citizens from doing this and to be careful. The BMC should put up boards at such locations citing the dangers of selfies,” Ghosalkar said.
Gupta too, has come out with the same notice of motion. “There should be a policy in place through which the BMC can fine offenders. People should be made aware about the dangers of carelessness. The security or lifeguards may not be around all the time. Some measures must be taken,” he said.
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