Karnataka - Mysore   

Tourists ignore warnings put up at ‘danger spots’

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Paying no heed: Despite warnings, overenthusiastic visitors cross the fence put up at Gaganachukki waterfalls in Mandya district on Thursday.

MYSORE: Visitors rush to several tourist spots located on the banks of the River Cauvery in the districts of Mysore, Mandya and Chamarajnagar during the monsoon. This happens especially when huge volumes of water is released from the reservoirs in the Cauvery basin, making the sight spectacular. But on the flip side is the fact that the authorities are grappling to ensure the safety of the visitors at such times.

Tourist spots such as Gaganachukki waterfalls and Muttatti in Mandya district; Bharachukki in Chamarajnagar district, and Nanjangud in Mysore district are simply breathtaking when water is discharged into the river from the overflowing Kabini dam in H.D. Kote taluk.

But the visitors, especially youth and students, ignore the warning signage put up near the waterfalls and the riverbanks informing public to keep a safe distance from the “danger spots” for safety.

There have been instances when people have slipped into Gaganachukki waterfalls because they wandered too close. This has also been the case in Bharachukki waterfalls. The Chunchi waterfalls, near Muttatti, in Mandya district, is also a big draw.

Despite warning boards put up prominently on the riverbanks, tourists get into the swirling waters for a swim. The swift currents have led to many drowning incidents.

In fact, the presence of police has done little to discourage visitors from venturing close. “It is practically impossible for a handful of policemen to control such large crowds visiting the place. They can warn them but not physically prevent them from getting into the water,” said Mandya Additional Superintendent of Police Krishnam Raju. “Most of the visitors are IT professionals and students who come in cars and bikes,” said the police.

According to the locals, the the terrain is rugged and slippery.

Though the Kapila river at Nanjangud is not as risky as Muttatti, the rising waters flow at dangerous levels making it unsafe for people to swim.

Here too, the people ignore warnings, putting their lives at risk.

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