After a number of drowning incidents were reported at the Dudhsagar waterfall-a major attraction for locals and tourists alike- South Goa district collector N D Agrawal issued an order prohibiting any tourist from getting into a rented vehicle at the boarding point in Collem sans a life jacket.
Visitors to the waterfall have also been prohibited from entering the water under any circumstances.
"No person/tourist will proceed or leave the danger prone area (point from the parking area to the river waters) without a life jacket. Swimming, diving and entering in water shall be strictly prohibited at this place. At the tourist spot of Dudhsagar river, life-saving equipment and other safety measures are to be adopted/provided. Lifeguards with swift water equipments shall be deployed," the order reads.
Agrawal said in his order that the officials in-charge at the tourist spot area of Dudhsagar river will have to ensure that all life saving equipment are provided at the site and are in functional condition. "Safety measures are to be adopted under various laws applicable in Goa in order to curb situations of emergencies leading to fatal accidents. The sarpanchas concerned of the village panchayats in the vicinity shall make available sufficient number of life saving equipments (on hire basis) at the tourist spot of Dudhsagar river," Agrawal's order states.
The order comes after the issue of rising deaths at the Dudhsagar waterfalls was taken up at the meeting of the south Goa district disaster management authority held on March 21, 2013.
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