Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: In light of recurring drowning incidents during the monsoon season, the District Magistrate of South Goa has issued an order prohibiting swimming, bathing, or entering waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, and other similar natural water bodies across the district with immediate effect and until further orders.
The decision follows a series of fatal mishaps reported from these popular natural sites, which attract both locals and tourists, particularly during the rainy season.
The administration has cited grave public safety concerns as the reason for enforcing the ban.
Violators of the order will be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Additionally, the order empowers all Deputy Collectors and Sub-Divisional Magistrates in the district to verify violations under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and to file FIRs with the respective police stations or initiate proceedings before the appropriate Judicial Magistrate.
The authorities have appealed to the public to adhere to the directive strictly to prevent further loss of life during the monsoon season.
