News Karnataka
Friday, March 29 2024
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Madikeri

Dried up waterfalls in Kodagu repel tourists

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Madikeri: The rain, the breeze, the cold are characteristic of Kodagu and the showers in the month of July deck up the district in green. However, the scenario is otherwise this year due to a severe shortage of rains and as a result, the waterfalls in the district have gone dry.

Popular waterfalls of the district, Abbey Falls, Mallalli, Irpu, Chelavara are parched. The monsoon tourism in the district is hit due to the looming drought, with the tourists returning disappointed due to scorching heat and dried up water bodies.

Last year, the roaring waterfalls here attracted a large number of tourists. However, last weekend though the number of tourists was no less, the Abbey Falls was not even half of what it was. During last year’s devastating rains and subsequent landslides, the hanging bridge was partially damaged but the Tourism Department has shown no interest in repairing it, till date. The Mallalli falls on the foothills of Puspagiri too has limited water. Thousands of tourists are still thronging the place but it no more offers that joy of the droplets splashing on the body from a huge distance.

Similar is the situation in Chelavara falls near Napoklu and Irpu falls in south Kodagu.

No more chilling out

The magnificent waterfalls of the district do have their share of fatalities. There have been instances of careless fun in the waters turning fatal. The whirlpools in the water are confirmed death traps and hence getting inside the Abbey waterfalls was prohibited a long time ago. The number of such deaths has since reduced. The Somwarpet’s Mallali Falls too has been fenced to prevent people from reaching the depths. Now, the Somwarpet police have decided to file FIRs against those who violate the restriction.

Tourists are barred from entering the waters near the waterfalls’ entrance. The annual death statistics are also put up here to warn the tourists against misadventures. However, the warnings or concern have not been able to prevent the deaths of the incorrigible ones, particularly youths. However, poor rains this year have been repelling the tourists and people are desperately wishing for the mercy of the clouds.

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