MYSURU, 29 MAY

The Chamarajanagar district administration on Thursday prohibited visitors from venturing close to waterfalls, river banks and other tourist spots close to rivers as a precautionary measure because of the heavy rains in the catchment areas of the rivers Kabini and Cauvery.

Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag issued the order after a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority. Tourist access to Gaganachukki, Bharachukki and Hogenakkal waterfalls has been prohibited until further orders, as the rain is raising the water levels in rivers Kabini and Cauvery, as well as the reservoirs, she said.

Nag has asked the tourists to avoid going near waterfalls, reservoirs, river banks and flood-prone areas to avoid any untoward incidents, considering the dangerous weather conditions prevailing in the state.

The DC directed the police, forest department and water resources department personnel to step up vigil and install warning signs at all tourist spots to prevent visitors from going near the water bodies.

Nag also instructed the public in Chamarajanagar and Gundlupet regions to avoid visiting quarrying and mining areas where water tends to accumulate during the rainy season.