The Himachal Pradesh Police has extended its citizen-friendly ‘Watch & Patrol’ initiative beyond Shimla’s Mall Road to major tourist destinations such as Manali, Solan and McLeodganj, officials said on Tuesday. Spokesperson of the department stated that the expansion has been carried out under the guidance of CM Sukhu, following the success of the programme in Shimla. Initially introduced to enhance police visibility, public safety and tourist support, the initiative has evolved into a model of service-oriented and accessible policing.
Under the programme, police personnel in ceremonial uniforms are stationed at key public locations to assist tourists, guide visitors, help senior citizens and respond swiftly to emergencies. Their approachable presence has contributed to a stronger sense of safety among both tourists and residents. Officials said the initiative has been widely appreciated for the disciplined and courteous conduct of police personnel, helping build a positive and people-centric image of the force.
Encouraged by public response, the state police now plans to further strengthen and expand the initiative to additional tourist destinations. The ‘Watch & Patrol’ programme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming and tourist-friendly environment across Himachal Pradesh. The police department added that efforts are ongoing to enhance the initiative through regular monitoring, training and the adoption of modern policing practices to ensure safety, trust and convenience for all.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
