Do you love taking selfies? This district in Gujarat might punish you for doing so now. Clicking selfies is a criminal offense in the Dang district of Gujarat. But why have the local authorities taken such a big step? The Dang district, famous for its marvelous Saputara hill station and cascading waterfalls, has observed many selfie-related accidents in the past. To ensure that such accidents are not repeated, the district has rigorously prohibited taking selfies, particularly in tourist spots.
In the Past, There have been Numerous Fatal Selfie-Related Accidents in the District
The Dang district has been the scene of many selfie-related accidents in the past. Taking a selfie at Saputara in July 2018 led to the death of a man as he fell into a gorge. An individual drowned in the nearby Gira waterfall while taking a selfie in August 2018. During the same year, a woman slipped while taking a selfie and fell into bushes. The US National Library of Medicine study has revealed that 259 people died while taking selfies between 2011 and 2017, and 50% were from India. Considering the risks, the district has imposed the bans.
People Taking Selfies In Dang District Could Face Criminal Offence
According to Live Mint, the district’s resident additional collector T D Damor told PTI that people caught taking selfies in Dang could face actions under criminal offence provisions. He said, “People, particularly youngsters, in their attempt to click a good selfie, can go to any extent and harm themselves. There have been many cases of people falling into gorges or being swept away by water currents in the past. Some people have also died while others have been injured.” Although this step by the authorities seems justifiable, we must be cautious when taking selfies even in the restricted zones to prevent any related accidents.