Police Confiscate Violators’ Clothes For Bathing In Waterfall At Karnataka’s Charmadi Ghat

In a strange incident, on Tuesday, police officials confiscated garments of individuals bathing in a dangerous overflowing creek near Charmadi Ghat, despite warning signs being in place. This step by the local police was appreciated by the public. The police patrol personnel of Chikmagalur division noticed a group of youth trying to climb the rocks, while walking down to a dangerous stream to take a bath in the waterfall. Noticing this, the traffic patrol police brought the clothes of the people taking a bath and put them inside the vehicle. After seeing such action by the police, the youth came back and got engaged in a heated argument with the officials. Despite the police’s efforts to teach them about the dangers of doing such activities, especially during the rainy season, they remained resistant.

The police returned their clothes after giving them a warning. It’s still unclear if the young people realised how serious their acts were, even after the police gave them safety instructions and returned their clothes. The officials have already restricted entry to several waterfalls, including the Alekan Waterfalls of the Charmadi Ghat due to the monsoon risks.

The monsoons have brought Karnataka’s waterfalls back to life, but authorities are urging caution as tourists throng to these scenic locations.

The Forest Department has taken crucial steps to ensure tourist safety by prohibiting entry to some waterfalls. These procedures are intended to reduce accidents caused by the waterfalls during the monsoon season.

As per report, last month the forest department temporarily prohibited the tourists from entering the popular Ettina Bhuja trek in Chikmagalur district. The decision was made after a surge in tourist activities. Despite efforts to limit visits via online ticketing, nearly 20,000 individuals visited Ettina Bhuja in just three days.

Karkala district reportedly issued an order on July 1 prohibiting tourists from visiting waterfalls and other forest areas owing to severe rainfall.

As per the monsoon advisory issued by the department, the forest officials have Increased patrolling at Charmadi Ghat, Kemmannugundi, and other popular tourist spots to ensure tourist safety.