Udupi, (The Hindu): The Udupi district administration has clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code on all beaches of the district to prevent any accidental death due to venturing into the sea by tourists/local people. The prohibitory orders will be in force till August 31.

In a press release here on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that beaches in the district attracted tourists during summer. But it had come to the notice of the administration that some tourists were visiting them and venturing into the sea even during the monsoon.

In the neighbouring Dakshina Kannada, three persons had lost their lives in the Sasihithlu beach and two in Ullal by venturing into the sea, recently. The sea was rough during the monsoon and venturing into it could lead to loss of life.

Though the beaches were manned by five Home Guards, a police constable and a Pravasi Mitra guard, tourists were found violating their directions and venturing into the sea.

Hence to prevent any untoward incident, the administration had banned tourists from venturing into the sea at beaches in St. Mary’s Island, Padubidri, Kaup, Malpe, Kundapur-Kodi Light House, Trasi-Marvanthe, Byndoor-Someshwara (Othinene) in Udupi district.

Fishermen exempted

Nobody could violate the ban order. However, this ban order did not apply to fishermen doing fishing using traditional or country boats.

The tourists/public going to the beaches had to compulsorily follow the directions of the Home Guards, police personnel or Pravasi Mitra guards on duty there.

Tourists/public are barred from entering areas marked as danger zones on these beaches.

The police personnel/Home Guards/Pravasi Mitra guards had been given powers to hand over any person or persons violating the prohibitory orders to police stations.

The administration would take legal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, if anyone was found violating the orders, the release said.