After Two Tourists Drown At Mainapi, Goa Bans Entry Of Visitors To Waterfalls, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Waterfalls are one of the must-see sights during the monsoon season. And every season, waterfalls across the country attract millions of visitors who throng there to enjoy the spectacular view.

But what is often overlooked is the fact that waterfalls are also the deadliest during the monsoon season, and even just one careless step could take a disastrous turn.

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No entry for visitors to Goa waterfalls

Following a string of recent untoward incidents, the Goa government has banned the entry of tourists to waterfalls inside wildlife sanctuaries.

According to the Goa forest department, the waterfalls will remain off-limits to tourists till safety measures are in place.

Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said his department has decided to ban access to all waterfalls in the forest areas.

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"I have asked for a report from a senior forest department official providing a risk assessment of these seasonal waterfalls," the minister said.

The decision on reopening these waterfalls to tourists will be taken in the next three-four days after going through the report, he said.

"We will open these spots to the public after taking all the precautionary measures, including deployment of lifeguards," Rane said.

Two drown in Mainapi Waterfall

The decision was taken after persons drowned at Mainapi Waterfall in Sanguem taluka of South Goa on Sunday.

55-year-old Janardhan Sadekar, a LIC officer, died after he jumped into the water to save the life of 28-year-old Shivdutt Naik, who was drowning in the Mainapi waterfall.

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Don't drink and enter water: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also appealed to tourists not to venture into sea and waterfall ponds after drinking liquor, as drowning cases are being reported.

"I request all to avoid venturing into ponds near waterfalls. Tourists visiting the state are unaware about the depth of the water near the waterfalls and one should not venture into it after drinking liquor. Since last one and half months, 15 to 20 persons have died due to drowning," Sawant said.

Be cautious while venturing into ponds, beach

He also said that youth should not venture into ponds and sea during the monsoon season.

"We are taking precautions and measures so that no such cases take place, hence we will try to deploy guards in these areas," Sawant told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

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"Even tourists should restrain themselves from venturing into the sea (beaches) during the rainy season," Sawant said.

Goa is home to some of the country's most stunning waterfalls, including Tambdi Surla, Dudhsagar, Hivre, Bamanbudo and Amboli.

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