Human-animal conflicts can cast a shadow on tourism — the economic mainstay in scenic north Bengal. So can unscrupulous tourist operators.

To ensure the safety of tourists, Jalpaiguri police launched a unique initiative called Tourist Bandhu, which literally means Tourist's Friend, in October.

The Tourist Bandhu task force — comprising nine teams, including two mobile ones — aims to protect visitors from harassment and help them navigate unforeseen challenges, including wildlife.

The Tourist Bandhu initiative operates through seven police assistance centres in Kranti, Meteli and Mal blocks of the Jalpaiguri district. In each of the seven centres, a Tourist Bandhu team, comprising a couple of cops and some civic volunteers is deployed.

These apart, there are two mobile Tourist Bandhu teams. Each of the two vehicles carries two assistant sub-inspectors, two constables and a driver. These two teams monitor areas from Gajoldoba to Chapramari to ensure tourists’ safety.

Sources said that a recent example highlighted this task force's efficiency. A wild elephant, hidden behind bushes, was about to cross paths with an unsuspecting group of tourists. “The intervention of the Tourist Bandhu team ensured the tourists were safely guided away,” said Surajit, a team member. "Returning from jungle safaris at dusk often puts visitors at risk, and our main aim is to bring them back safely."

It was not just stray elephants or leopards that posed a threat to tourists, incidents of human misconduct have also come to light, said cops.

In a recent case, a Bangladeshi tourist was allegedly drugged and robbed by criminals.

“The Tourist Bandhu teams will address such situations. However, many tourists are unaware of this facility,” said a police source.

Khandbahale Umesh Ganpat, the Jalpaiguri SP, said the seven centres also provided tourists with essential information such as maps, vehicle fares and directions, making travel more convenient.