THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
The forest department has taken strict action against tourists entering the Jalwane Waterfall area within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary without authorisation.
A total of 20 persons from Karnataka and Maharashtra have been booked for allegedly entering the restricted sanctuary area illegally through the Parwad APC, a strategically important access point. During the operation, 16 mobile phones were seized.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Forest Range Officer Girish Bailudkar.
According to Bailudkar, the 16 mobile phones seized during the operation were allegedly used to spread misleading information on social media about wildlife and restricted areas.
“The action, therefore, concerns not only unauthorised entry but also filming, photography and the circulation of content relating to restricted forest areas,” said Bailudkar.
“The matter was extremely serious. On several previous occasions, visitors had been advised not to enter these areas without permission. Despite repeated warnings, some unruly tourists allegedly disregard the guidelines issued by the Forest Department and deliberately attempt to enter the restricted locations.”
“Such actions violate the prescribed guidelines and can also cause environmental damage,” Bailudkar pointed out.
Under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, violations involving unauthorised activities in restricted areas, filming in violation of applicable rules, or the circulation of misleading information may attract legal action, the forest department warned.
The department has also urged people not to enter sensitive forest areas or create videos that violate regulations merely to gain more views and engagement on social media.
Tourists, trekkers and social media content creators visiting the Madei Wildlife Sanctuary have been strictly advised to follow all entry restrictions imposed by the Forest Department. No one should enter restricted areas without the necessary authorisation.
The department has warned that anyone entering the sanctuary in violation of official instructions will face strict legal action.
