PANJIM: The Forest Department has banned people from venturing into rivers and waterfalls in view of arrival of monsoon.
In an order, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden has said,” On account of arrival of monsoon in the State of Goa, there is likelihood of rise in water levels in rivers and waterfalls in forest areas. Therefore, venturing into rivers and waterfalls inside all protected areas shall be prohibited with effect from June 6, 2024, untill further orders.”
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The order has directed Dy Conservator of Forests to reivew the situation and report.
On May 26, Collectors of both the districts had also issued orders prohibiting swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, and rivers, among other water bodies.
The Collectors had warned that non-compliance with the directive would constitute a violation of Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
The administration cited numerous drowning incidents in waterfalls, quarries, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies as the rationale for the ban, stating that swimming in these areas poses significant risks.
