Trekking and swimming in the Gaganachukki waterfalls near Malavalli, in spite of warnings from locals, turned tragic for two persons with one losing his life and another getting injured.
Amarnath, 50, a resident of Chickballapura, drowned here on Tuesday morning. He was allegedly cautioned against venturing into the waterfalls that had many whirlpools, the police said.
Khader Basha, 37, of Bengaluru slipped and fell on Saturday afternoon and was rescued by the police personnel on Monday evening. He spent nearly 51 hours on a rock amidst roaring waters as no one noticed him till 5.30 p.m. on Monday, the Belakawadi police said.
According to the police, Mr. Basha had visited a dargah near the falls on Saturday and later, started descending the falls. At 3.30 p.m., he slipped from 300 ft and was trapped between two boulders. Mr. Basha sustained injuries on his leg. His screams for help went in vain because of the roars of waters. He was finally rescued at 5.30 p.m. on Monday, the police said. It is yet to be ascertained if he was under the influence of alcohol, a police officer said.
The incidents reflect the lack of safety and monitoring steps at the picnic spot.
The waterfalls is one of the natural wonders along the Cauvery and has several whirlpools and deep pits. Gaganachukki attracts over three lakh visitors every year. The tourist place often witnesses drowning incidents.
When The Hindu contacted an officer at the tourism department, he said: “We will take measures to install safety railings and chains, and deploy guides to ensure safety of tourists.”
