Team Goemkarponn
SURLA: Forest Department officials detained 29 people from Karnataka for attempting to visit the Jalavani waterfall inside the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, despite a ban on entry to the area.
The group, which included residents from Belagavi and nearby regions as well as several students, was later released on personal bonds after questioning. Officials warned that strict action will be taken if anyone is found entering restricted waterfall zones in the future.
According to Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary range officer Girish Bailudkar, locals reported that people had entered the prohibited Jalavani waterfall area. A forest team immediately reached the site and found the group without any permission to be in the restricted zone. Some of the visitors also provided false names, which delayed their release.
The Jalavani waterfall, located near Surla village, is considered highly dangerous due to its challenging access route, dense forest, and presence of wildlife. Last year, two people drowned at the site, with rescue operations taking two days to recover the bodies.
“The waterfall is closed to tourists. Despite repeated warnings, the group attempted to visit it, prompting action from the forest team,” Bailudkar said.
Officials noted that photos and videos of the waterfall shared on social media often lure visitors to the area, ignoring safety regulations. They emphasized that any future violations would result in stringent measures.
