The Forest Department has temporarily banned tourist entry into protected forest areas and waterfalls in and around Belagavi following heavy rainfall across the Western Ghats region. The restriction has been imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the monsoon season.
According to an order issued by the Forest Department, public entry into restricted forest zones and waterfalls is currently prohibited. Forest personnel have been deployed at strategic locations and entry points to prevent unauthorised access and ensure compliance with the restrictions.
The decision comes following the death of 20-year-old Aditya Satpati from Belagavi, who reportedly drowned while bathing at Barajan waterfall near Sural in Goa. The waterfall is located within the core protected zone of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. His body was later recovered by forest officials.
Following the incident, the Goa Forest Department registered a case against five youths from Belagavi who had accompanied the deceased, alleging that they entered the restricted forest area without authorisation. Authorities in Goa have also announced a complete ban on entry to the sanctuary and waterfall following repeated instances of unauthorised access.
Wildlife conservationists have raised concerns over continued violations in protected forest areas. Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni said that the sanctuary, including its buffer zone, is officially closed to visitors. He stated that the group of six youths from Belagavi had allegedly entered the restricted area and that available information suggested they may have reached the waterfall from the Karnataka side through a forest trail that is closed to visitors.
With heavy rainfall continuing across the Western Ghats, authorities have urged tourists and residents to strictly follow Forest Department restrictions and avoid entering protected forests, waterfalls and unsafe trails. Sudden increases in water flow, slippery terrain, poor visibility and difficult rescue access can make such areas particularly dangerous during the monsoon.
The Forest Department is expected to continue monitoring sensitive locations and enforcing the restrictions to prevent further incidents.
