Mumbai set to become no-selfie zone
The “selfie” has become a part of modern life, but sometimes the pursuit of the perfect photo to post on social media can have tragic consequences.
India is home to the highest number of people who have passed away while taking photos of themselves, with 49 recorded selfie-linked deaths since 2014, according the San Francisco-based data service provider Priceonomics.
As a result, Mumbai has officially declared 16 “no-selfie zones” across the cities, with authorities warning people against taking unnecessary risks.
Among the “no-selfie zones” are off-limit areas that are perceived as risky, particularly along the coastline in areas without railings or barriers.
Clearly-marked signs show the selfie-free zones and anyone venturing into these off-limits areas risks beings slapped with a 1200 rupee (around $25) fine, even if they’re not taking any photographs.
"This is a new problem for us," Mumbai police spokesman Dhananjay Kulkarni told CNN. "We have identified spots in Mumbai. We want to restrain people from going there so that mishaps don't happen."
India is not the first country to make moves to deter people from taking dangerous selfies and tourist photographs.
Selfie sticks have been banned from some train stations in Japan, amid fears people would lost balance and fall onto the tracks and Russia announced an entire campaign last year warning tourist of the most dangerous spots for selfies. So it goes without saying if you are going to take a selfie, be careful.
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