Mysuru: The Mysuru district administration and the department of tourism have intensified efforts to crack down on unregistered homestays operating across the district.The proliferation of unauthorised homestays in tourist destinations across Mysuru district has emerged as a major concern for law enforcement agencies. Although the district has 49 registered homestays, several unregistered units continue to function on the city outskirts and in rural areas. Most of these establishments are located in isolated locations and attract tourists by offering campfires and playing loud music late into the night, making them a preferred choice over hotels and lodges in the city.According to regulations, homestay operators must obtain approvals from the police and local bodies, apart from securing clearances from the tourism, labour, fire and emergency services, and food safety departments.Of the 49 registered homestays in the district, 26 are located in Mysuru taluk, followed by Periyapatna and HD Kote with seven each. Nanjangud has four registered homestays, Hunsur three, and Saraguru two. No registered homestays are currently operating in KR Nagar, Saligrama and T Narasipura taluks. Until now, homestay registrations were processed through the Seva Sindhu and Sakala online service portals. However, in the wake of crimes involving tourists in Kodagu and Koppal districts, the department of tourism has tightened regulations and made registration mandatory for all homestay operators.Under the revised norms, operators must undergo verification and physical safety inspections before obtaining a registration certificate, which is valid for five years. Certificates are issued after the completion of inspections, a process that takes up to 45 days.The new guidelines stipulate that a homestay can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests and provide no more than six beds. Operators are required to install CCTV cameras in reception areas and preserve footage for at least 30 days. They must also maintain a guest register with identity documents, display a list of guests and emergency helpline numbers, and report details of foreign guests staying at the property to the police.With homestays now integrated into the Karnataka Police Smart e-Beat system, police personnel can conduct inspections, verify guest records and digitally log their visits using GPS-enabled devices. Homestay operators are also required to undergo training on gender sensitisation, the Pocso Act, Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, Domestic Violence Act, and other relevant laws.Speaking to TOI, assistant director of tourism VM Prabhuswamy said the department has launched a drive against unregistered homestays across the district to bring them under the new regulatory framework.With registration now mandatory, all unregistered homestays must apply for approval through the district tourism committee, headed by the deputy commissioner. The committee will scrutinise applications and issue registration orders. Prabhuswamy also appealed to tourists to stay only in registered homestays.
