The district police here introduced “Tourist Bondhu”, a special squad of police personnel and civic volunteers in western Dooars to help tourists visiting the region.

“We are introducing this new mobile squad to roam around and help tourists. They will also work for their safety and confirm that tourists do not face any inconvenience during their trips,” said Biswajit Mahato, SP, Jalpaiguri.

On Saturday, Mahato, with other police officers and Moumita Godara Basu, the district magistrate, reached Lataguri, the entry point to Gorumara National Park and the most popular tourist destination in Jalpaiguri.

There, they inaugurated a tourist assistance booth which would be manned by police and civic volunteers.

Initially, the squad will work from December 24 to January 3, when the tourist inflow is higher, said the SP.

Two four-wheelers and five two-wheelers have been provided to the squad. Each four-wheeler will carry a six-member team comprising policemen and civic volunteers. In the two-wheelers, members of Winners, a women’s mobile team formed in the district, will move around. Ten more civic volunteers will be there whenever required.

“Contact numbers will be displayed in the vehicles, along with the sticker of ‘Tourist Bondhu’. These days, there is a rush of tourists in Lataguri and adjoining areas. Tourists can also approach assistance booth,” Mahato added.

Sources said in Dooars, a number of allegations were raised by tourists, including teasing and misbehaviour by biker groups, overcharging by some cab drivers and shoddy service at private resorts and other accommodations.

In all, there are over 100 private resorts and some government properties in and around Lataguri. They are packed this time of the year.