Forest dept bars waterfall treks in Khanapur amid heavy rains

Belagavi: The forest department has prohibited public entry to waterfalls located within forest areas of Khanapur taluk following heavy rainfall in the region. In a notification, the deputy conservator of forests, Belagavi division, said large numbers of visitors have been flocking to waterfalls in the Western Ghats despite risks posed by the monsoon. To ensure public safety, access to all waterfall sites within forest limits has been restricted. Forest personnel have been deployed at key locations to prevent unauthorised entry and monitor the situation. The department warned that legal action would be taken under the Karnataka Forest Act against those entering restricted areas without permission. In a release, officials said the waterfalls are not open to visitors and appealed to the public to cooperate with forest staff by avoiding trekking and sightseeing activities in these locations.

The department added that cases have already been registered against individuals who attempted to enter forest areas and visit dangerous waterfalls without the supervision or approval of forest officials.