THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
After the death of a youth from Belagavi who drowned near Surla and the persistent rainfall across the Western Ghats bordering Goa and Khanapur taluka, Karnataka forest authorities have imposed a temporary ban on tourist entry to waterfalls and forest areas in the Bhimgarh periphery.
Citing serious safety concerns, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Belagavi) N E Kranthi said the decision has been taken in wake of recent and past fatal incidents and continuous heavy rainfall that has made waterfalls, streams, and forest routes extremely dangerous.
Overflowing rivers and streams, sudden rises in water levels, slippery terrain, and increasing risks within forest areas have led authorities to restrict public access until conditions improve.
Forest authorities have appealed tourists from Belagavi and Goa region, especially the overenthusiastic youngsters and local residents, to strictly comply with the ban and avoid visiting waterfalls and forest locations, and extend full cooperation to officials.
The department has also warned that anyone violating the restriction by entering prohibited forest or waterfall areas will face legal action under the applicable provisions of the Forest Act.
Khanapur taluka bordering Goa which is located in the ecologically rich Western Ghats, is home to several popular monsoon destinations that attract thousands of tourists and environmentalist from across India and abroad every year.
The tourist destinations including Surla Waterfall, Vajrapoha (Jamboti) Waterfall, waterfalls around Kankumbi, and the natural waterfalls within Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary are frequented by travellers especially the youngsters from across the region.
Officials said that the ban has also been imposed to venture inside the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and forest areas of Kankumbi, Jamboti, Surla Ghat, Tilari Backwaters, and the Mhadei River region including its tributaries that are in spate.
“With relentless rainfall pouring across the region has left rivers, streams, and waterfalls in spate making them increasingly hazardous. We have therefore urged the public to postpone visits to these tourist destinations until weather conditions stabilise and the restrictions are lifted,” DCF Kranthi stated.
