During the monsoon season in India, everyone craves either a comforting cup of chai (tea) and pakoda (fritters) or embarks on a thrilling waterfall hike! Personally, I am a waterfall enthusiast, but my perspective changed after encountering a life-threatening situation in Naneghat during the monsoons. Fortunately, I made it back home safely, and I can wholeheartedly advise against taking any risks when venturing out during such weather conditions! Safety should always be the top priority.
New rules to enter the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:
Goa, known for its beautiful beaches, also boasts stunning waterfalls! Recently, in response to a few drowning incidents, the Goan government initially imposed a ban on entry to wildlife sanctuaries. However, they have revised their decision and now permit access to 14 waterfalls, implementing new rules to ensure the safety of visitors.
Karnataka follows Goa's footsteps to ban entry at waterfalls:
Following in the footsteps of its neighboring state Goa, Karnataka has implemented precautionary measures by imposing a ban on tourists entering waterfall sites in the Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district. The sudden announcement caught many tourists from Karnataka and Maharashtra off-guard, leading to a crowd management crisis as a large number of eager visitors were already present at the closed sites.
To handle the situation, additional police forces were called in from neighboring stations. However, it raises the question: why not choose to return home when the circumstances are risky and the entry is prohibited? Safety should always be a top priority when exploring natural sites.
The Forest Department of Goa advised to not take a risk:
The Goa Forest Department, while urging people not to jeopardize their lives and to abide by the rules and regulations, has encouraged them to visit the waterfall once the ban is lifted safely, with a permit, to experience the incredible natural beauty.
This decision was taken in response to a recent drowning incident of a young person from Belagavi, who tragically lost their life while swimming near Chorla village.
While it is essential to enjoy and appreciate nature, let us remember to take necessary precautions to ensure our safety. Share your thoughts on this ban in the comments below.
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