VALPOI
The forest department has registered a case against five persons on charges of illegally entering the prohibited Barazan waterfall, located within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
The action follows a detailed inquiry into the recent drowning incident, which revealed that the group had entered the protected area without obtaining mandatory permission from the forest department.
According to the forest department, a group of six persons entered the Barazan waterfall from the Karnataka side without prior authorisation. The inquiry confirmed that the group had trespassed into the sanctuary's core zone despite clear prohibitory orders, warning signboards, and safety notices displayed at the entry points.
During the incident, a youth from Odisha had drowned in the waterfall. Following the investigation, the forest department found that the remaining five members of the group had also illegally entered the protected forest area.
Accordingly, cases have been registered against them under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Further investigation is currently underway, and officials have indicated that additional legal action may follow if required.
The forest department emphasised that the Barazan waterfall is a highly sensitive and strictly prohibited location situated within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry to the site has been completely banned due to its dangerous terrain, deep water pools, slippery rocks, sudden rise in water levels during the monsoon, and frequent movement of wild animals.
Officials stated that conditions at the waterfall become particularly hazardous during the monsoon season. Water levels can rise rapidly within minutes, currents become extremely strong, and rocks turn dangerously slippery, making any attempt at trekking, swimming, or adventure activities potentially fatal.
To prevent accidents, the forest department has installed prominent warning signboards and intensified patrolling around the restricted area throughout the monsoon.
The department has appealed to tourists, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts to strictly follow all rules governing entry into waterfalls located within protected forest areas.
Visitors are advised to visit only those destinations officially opened by the forest department, where guided trekking, safety arrangements, and lifeguards are available. Entry into prohibited or unauthorised locations should be strictly avoided.
The forest department has also cautioned the public against misleading social media reels, videos, and posts that promote restricted waterfalls as tourist attractions.
According to officials, certain social media accounts are encouraging unauthorised visits to prohibited locations by posting attractive videos and reels. Such accounts are under strict surveillance, and anyone found promoting or encouraging illegal entry into protected areas may face legal action.
Reiterating its appeal, the forest department has urged the public to prioritise safety while enjoying nature. Officials stressed that strict adherence to forest regulations can prevent such tragic incidents. Tourists have been advised not to rely on unverified social media content and to visit only officially permitted and safe tourist destinations.
