If you are planning to make your way to the Dudhsagar waterfalls this Sunday despite the ban, then do it at your own risk.
The Goa government, via an order, has made its intent clear to enforce its recent ban in all seriousness and those found making their way to the waterfall will be deemed illegal and dealt with according to law.
The order has been issued by A Asvin Chandru, IAS, District Magistrate and Chairperson, South Goa District Disaster Management Authority, Margao, Goa.
The order has completely banned the entry of tourists, trekkers and all other persons to the Dudhsagar waterfalls (at or near the railway bridge and the Dudhsagar railway station) either by trekking, train or walking along the railway tracks.
The order is very clear on the fact that the railway tracks are not a designated tourist point, and only authorised personnel of police, railways, forest department and government officials on duty will be allowed there.
However, the government order states that visitors will be allowed to enter the base of the Dudhsagar waterfall area through prescribed routes, but only with permits or tickets purchased from entry points designated by the Goa Forest Department.
As per the order, joint checkposts will be set up at all four railway stations in the vicinity ie Collem, Castle Rock, Sonaulim and Caranzol.
These posts will be manned by police personnel, RPF personnel and forest officials round-the-clock to restrict any unauthorised entry to the waterfall area.
Besides the round-the-clock surveillance in the Dudhsagar area, RPF personnel will be deployed in the trains moving along the ghat section to prevent persons from trying to deboard the train near the waterfall area.
Further, according to the order, CCTV cameras will be installed at all four railway stations ie Collem, Castle Rock, Sonaulim, Caranzol and at the Dudhsagar waterfalls for effective surveillance.
The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will assist the Railways in installing a solar station and battery bank at the waterfall to facilitate the setting up of a CCTV surveillance system on site.
The order goes on to add that those found obstructing any officer or employee while discharging their duties will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Every rainy season, the Dudhsagar is a great attraction for tourists and trekkers. The difficult and rugged terrain provides great adventure and an adrenaline rush for trekkers.
The forest officials, however, have faced difficulties in rescue and search operations after the drowning incidents. Also, the thick forest and terrain make the task more difficult.