It is just the onset of monsoon and already there have been several incidents concerning people who entered the rough sea or trekked to enjoy the waterfalls. Their reckless and thoughtless behaviour has resulted in injury and death and created tension and mourning in their families. One category is of people who enter the sea (especially after a few drinks) with a false bravado that they can swim against the tide. The other category is those who venture into restricted forest areas to have fun in the waterfalls. On June 28 six youngsters from Belagavi visited the Barazan waterfall near Surla. Unfortunately, an 15-year-old boy lost his life. Police have filed a chargesheet against the others. A few hours later six youths from Sanquelim, who were stranded overnight near the Vazrasakla waterfall, were rescued. The government has banned entry into water bodies for 60 days and even put up notices and signages. Hence, the government should not only penalise and chargesheet the offenders but recoup double the amount that was expended on saving them. This should include manpower, equipment, transport, medical treatment amongst others, that were used for and spent on the rescue operation.
SRIDHAR D'IYER, Caranzalem
