Viral videos from Dudhsagar Falls show why Goa govt banned all tourists

To ensure public safety and prevent drowning incidents, the Goa Forest Department and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have enforced a ban on visitors accessing the Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Goa.

According to a Twitter video, trekkers and tourists attempting to reach the falls by walking along the railway tracks have been stopped, and railway authorities have issued warnings against such activities.

Another viral surfaced video on social media depicts a sizeable gathering of trekkers who are subjected to sit-ups for attempting to trek along the Konkan railway line. Although the exact location of the incident remains unverified, the surrounding scenery visible in the video suggests it took place somewhere within the Western Ghats.

Why the ban?

The surge in tourist influx at the waterfalls can be attributed to vacationers seeking a monsoon retreat during the previous weekend.

• The ban came after recent fatalities and heavy rainfall, which led to the closure of roads leading to the waterfalls.
• Despite the absence of official permissions for trekking activities this season, certain individuals persisted in trekking illegally, disregarding the regulations.
• Previously, this month there had been several reports of drowning in the lakes and waterfalls of Goa. Many other accidents including landslides and flash floods, have also from the state.

• In order to prevent and mitigate any such incidents, the authorities banned trekking and visiting waterfalls, lakes, canyons, open mines etc, owing to the accessibility and remoteness of these locations.
• Many trekkers said they were unaware of the ban enforced.

Consequently, there had been demands from the government and forest department to implement stricter regulations for accessing wildlife sanctuaries, particularly on weekends. The objective is to strike a harmonious balance between enabling visitors to appreciate the natural splendour and ensuring their safety throughout the monsoon season.

Trekkers unabated despite the ban

Despite the ban, hundreds of tourists were spotted walking along the railway tracks near the picturesque Dudhsagar waterfalls. They were en route to the falls as some roads had been closed due to heavy rain.

The forest department in Goa has prohibited visitors from accessing waterfalls within wildlife sanctuaries due to heavy rainfall and a series of drowning incidents. The ban, effective from July 11, aimed to prioritise public safety and prevent accidents.

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Railways warn again

After the incident, the South Western Railway warned travellers, urging them not to walk along or on the railway tracks. According to the railways, such activities pose risks to personal safety and are considered offences under Sections 147 and 159 of the Railway Act. The railway authorities stressed that de-boarding at Dudhsagar or any other station along the Braganza Ghat is strictly prohibited.