Calls for tighter policing at Anjunem Dam to curb risky social media stunts by influencers
PANAJI
In the pursuit of social media fame, a section of influencers, tourists and youngsters are increasingly pushing boundaries, creating public nuisance and risking their lives by venturing into hazardous locations such as dams.
Concerned over the growing trend, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has sought police intervention, particularly at the popular Anjunem Dam in Sattari.
The WRD has urged Valpoi police to step up surveillance and patrolling in the Anjunem dam catchment area, alleging a surge in reckless behaviour by visitors, particularly influencers who are turning into nuisance-makers under the guise of content creation.
“With the onset of monsoon season, the popular AIP Dam has drawn large crowds of tourists and commuters of Chorla Ghat from Goa and other states. Despite the ban and restriction of entry to waterfalls and water bodies, many tourists, especially youths are visiting in large numbers the catchment area of the AIP dam via Keri to Chorla highway section. Further, it has been observed that despite giving constant warnings about dangerous spots during the monsoon, people go and risk their lives by visiting such places in the guise of making reels and photography,” reads the written communique by WRD Executive Engineer Shailesh Pokle to the Valpoi police inspector.
“.... your attention is drawn to the potential dangers posed by certain social media influencers/ tourists/ commuters due to lack of presence of police personnel. It is therefore kindly requested to deploy personnel within your jurisdiction of the catchment area of the AIP dam along the Keri Chorla highway section to prevent any such incident,” it added.
The largest Selaulim reservoir that began to overflow on Wednesday evening has also been drawing locals and tourists. The WRD has advised visitors to follow safety instructions and avoid getting too close to the spillway structure due to slippery conditions during the rains.
