Security in Pinkcity for International Tourists

Tourist Assistance Force (TAF)

Travelling can turn into tragedy if trouble calls are neglected and if not averted taking appropriate action at right time. With large number of tourists flow in the state and flourishing tourism business, instances of touts taking tourists on ride have seen a minuscule rise. After numerous cases being reported in the media, police stations about tourists being extorted by shopkeepers, unauthorized guides misguiding tourists and causing harassment to the guests, the tourist department of Rajasthan has taken necessary precautionary measures.

At all important places where tourist footfall is heavy including monuments, airports, bus stands, railway station and where chances of cheating hapless tourists are high, the department has deployed Tourist Assistance Force (TAF). The scheme was started by the government in year 2000. At present more than 160 Tourist Assistance Force (TAF) personnel are assisting tourists at prominent tourist spots. All major cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jaiselmer, Ajmer-Pushkar, Mount Abt, Chittaurgarh, Swai Madhopur has such personnel that check the necessary security and safety measures for the tourists. The department has recently increased the number of Tourist Assistance Force (TAF) personnel to 250 as new destination including Bundi and Alwar-Sariska have been added as new tourism spots.

In case of help tourists can approach Tourist Assistance Force (TAF) to know about the tourist sites and respective distance. In case of harassment by touts, beggars, peddlers and hawkers, taking guidance about law and order, security and a list of Dos and Don't can also be taken by the tourists. The force also assists tourists in providing information about authorized taxi stands, money exchange, guest house, hotels and restaurants.

In case of medical emergency, 24-hour ambulance service is just a call away. One can dial 108 from cellular phone to avail ambulance facility. Apart from Tourist Assistance Force (TAF) of tourism department, police help can be reached by dialing 100 from any telephone service. Almost all major places have police deployment that attends tourists on priority. It is advisable to all the tourists to inquire about the tourist spot, its location and distance before leaving for sight seeing. Check authorization of guide, book your lodging, sight-seeing and accommodation through authorized agents. Don't let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sight seeing. Avoid help of guide /driver while shopping and shops recommended by them.