Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Forest Department has registered a case against five persons for unauthorised entry into the prohibited Barazan (Delta) Waterfall, situated within the core zone of the Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, following the recent drowning of a tourist from Odisha.
The action follows an inquiry into the incident involving a group of six persons who had entered the waterfall area through the Karnataka side without obtaining the mandatory permission from the Forest Department.
During verification, officials confirmed that the group had illegally entered the protected area despite restrictions and warning signages installed at the entry points. One member of the group, a native of Odisha, drowned during the visit.
Based on the findings of the inquiry, the remaining five persons have been booked under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for unauthorised entry into the protected area. Further inquiry is underway.
The Forest Department reiterated that Barazan (Delta) Waterfall is a prohibited and high-risk location where public entry has been banned due to the dangerous terrain, risk of drowning and frequent wildlife movement. Officials said warning signages have been installed and patrolling has been intensified during the monsoon to prevent unauthorised access.
The department has appealed to visitors and tourists to strictly adhere to entry regulations and visit only those waterfalls inside protected areas that are officially permitted with guided trekking activities and lifeguard deployment.
It also cautioned the public against being influenced by misleading social media posts and reels promoting access to restricted waterfalls, warning that such social media handles are under strict scrutiny and may invite immediate legal action.
