Panaji: In response to safety concerns and incidents of drowning and missing tourists, the South Goa Collector, Asvin Chandru, has issued an order banning entry to Dudhsagar Waterfall for tourists and trekkers. The order specifies that visitors will only be allowed to enter the base of the waterfall area through prescribed routes with permits or tickets purchased from designated entry points managed by the Forest Department.
The ban applies to all unauthorized entry to Dudhsagar Waterfall, including access by trekking, walking along the railway tracks, or taking the train to the waterfall (at or near the railway bridge/Dudhsagar railway station). The area is no longer considered a designated tourist point, and only authorized personnel of the Police, Railways, Forest Department, and other Government officials on duty will be permitted entry.
In the past, there have been incidents of accidents and missing tourists while attempting to visit the waterfall by trekking along the railway tracks and other routes, particularly during the monsoon season. To prevent further mishaps and ensure public safety, the government has established check posts to restrict entry of any unauthorized individuals towards the waterfall area.
The decision to impose restrictions on accessing Dudhsagar Waterfall comes after last week’s incident, where unauthorized visitors who walked on or along the railway tracks were caught by authorities and subjected to disciplinary action, such as doing ‘sit-ups’ while holding their ears.
Dudhsagar Waterfall gained widespread fame in 2013 after being featured in the Bollywood film ‘Chennai Express,’ starring Shah Rukh Khan. Despite its popularity, the authorities are now taking necessary measures to protect both tourists and the ecological integrity of the picturesque waterfall site.
