THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
With no end to drowning incidents, Collector, South Goa/Kushavati has prohibited swimming, bathing or entering waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes and other similar natural water bodies in the jurisdiction of South Goa and Kushavati districts for 60 days.
The order issued under sub-section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, however, exempted entry to waterfalls.
However, the Collector has totally prohibited swimming, bathing, entering the water, diving, cliff-jumping, or engaging in any other water-related activity in or around waterfalls.
The order has also exempted guided eco-tourism visits conducted or authorized by the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), saying these activities shall be permitted, subject to compliance with all safety protocols and directions issued by the concerned authorities.
The prohibition shall not apply to personnel of the Police Department, Fire and Emergency Services, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Forest Department, Revenue Department, or any other Government agency while discharging official duties, including rescue, search, inspection, disaster response, or law enforcement.
The prohibition shall not apply to any person specifically authorized in writing by the District Administration or any competent authority for official, scientific, environmental, maintenance or public utility purposes.
The Collector has warned that any person visiting waterfalls, viewpoints, trekking routes or other eco-tourism destinations shall strictly comply with the instructions issued by government authorities, forest officials, police personnel, guides authorized by GFDC and any warning or safety signage installed at the site.
Further, the Collector has directed the concerned police inspectors and mamlatdars to maintain strict vigilance within their jurisdictions and enforce this order diligently.
“Any person found in contravention of this order shall be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Additionally, all the Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Magistrates of South Goa are authorized to verify the violation of order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and to file FIR before the concerned court/ police station and to lodge complaint before the appropriate Judicial Magistrate in the matter”, the order stated.
The order which has come into force with immediate effect shall remain in operation for a period of 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier.
