Valpoi Police Nab Seven for Attempting to Swim in Restricted Nanoda Bhatwadi Waters

Valpoi police have arrested seven youths, six men and one woman, all hailing from Panaji—for attempting to swim in the dangerous and restricted waters of Nanoda Bhatwadi. This scenic but treacherous site, located near Valpoi, has been the scene of multiple tragic drownings in recent years, prompting a strict no-bathing order.

Despite clear signage and repeated warnings by the police and local administration, the group was found loitering near the prohibited section of the river during a routine patrol. Upon interrogation, they admitted to planning a swim, knowingly violating the ban in place. The police acted promptly and detained the group before any untoward incident occurred.

Nanoda Bhatwadi has been designated a no-bathing zone due to strong currents, unpredictable water conditions, and past fatalities. Signboards and public advisories have been issued to prevent further mishaps. However, the area continues to attract locals and tourists, particularly during summer and the monsoon, when water levels are high and currents more dangerous.

Authorities say this is part of a worrying trend, with individuals ignoring safety warnings either for thrills or to capture social media content. Such behavior not only puts their own lives at risk but also endangers the lives of emergency responders in case of accidents.

Police Emphasize Public Responsibility

Valpoi police have reiterated the importance of public cooperation in ensuring safety at natural sites. “These rules exist to protect lives, not inconvenience people,” said a senior officer. “We request everyone to take safety advisories seriously and to avoid high-risk zones.”

The police confirmed that strict enforcement will continue, and legal action will be taken against anyone caught violating restrictions in danger zones like Nanoda Bhatwadi.

This latest arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, public awareness, and shared responsibility in preventing avoidable tragedies across Goa’s natural tourist attractions.