CANACONA
While visitors have been prohibited from visiting waterfalls in forests following an order from the forest department, the South Goa collector’s advisory to refrain from entering water bodies during the monsoon has not been taken seriously.
The South Goa collector had issued an advisory to the public and tourists to refrain from entering, bathing and swimming in water bodies, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mining pits, etc. during the ongoing monsoon season in view of several drowning incidents reported in the South Goa District during this monsoon.
However, visitors continue to flock to a number of waterfalls located outside the forested areas in Canacona.
According to sources, the Bamanbudo waterfall located by the side of the road leading Netravali continues to attract visitors throughout the week.
Visitors, however, claim that the Bamanbudo waterfall is considered safe as water does not accumulate deep, making it difficult for someone to drown, unless some mishap occurs if visitors accidentally fall down.
Similarly, another waterfall in Gaondongrim in the midst of a residential ward at Bhupar, is also a hotspot for picnickers and is considered safe.
There has been police presence at the Bamanbudo waterfall on all days of the week following complains of law and order problems and dumping of garbage
However, while the South Goa collector’s advisory has been ignored as visitors flock to the Bamanbudo waterfall and the Bhupar waterfall in Canacona, forest guards have stopped people from visiting the Kuskem waterfall inside the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Kuskem waterfall is also considered safe and trekkers in groups usually visit this waterfall, but forest guards have stopped permitted people from proceeding there in view of the forest department order,” said a source.
