In the backdrop of the tragedy last week at the Kapila Theertham waterfalls at Tirumala, in which nine youth lost their lives in the sudden gush of water, the Forest Department have stepped up vigil at vulnerable waterfalls in the State.
With Chittoor district receiving good rainfall in the last 48 hours, some well-known waterfalls are attracting nature lovers.
The Kailasakona, Moolakona and Sadasiva Kona waterfalls in Puttur division have received good inflows from the surrounding hills. These picturesque locations are the most sought-after picnic spots for tourists from Tamil Nadu, particularly from Chennai and Tiruvallur. The Ubbalamadugu waterfalls, popularly known Tada Falls, too, is a hot destination.
Forest Range Officer (Puttur) Mr. M. Reddappa says except for the waterfalls from the Sadasivakona hill range, the Kailasakona and Mulakona waterfalls are not dangerous.
“We have totally prohibited trekking up the hill wall at the Kailasakona waterfall, which attracts hundreds of people every month. Though we have incidents of visitors taking liquor here, the law and order is totally under control.
As for the Sadasivakona falls, we have arranged regular beats atop the hill. In addition to this, there is a forest base camp at the foothills, and this would work as a warning to revellers,” he adds. Tourists are denied entry to the Eguaseethalam waterfalls in Ubbalamadugu forest of Varadaiahpalem mandal. Following the death of two students from Kerala a couple of years ago, the Forest Department set up a permanent vigilance post atop the Siddulaiah hill. Police bundobust is also arranged during peak season.
Forest Range Officer (Satyavedu) Mr. V. Manikanteswaran says Ubbalamadugu attracts thousands of youth from Tamil Nadu every year. “Eguvaseethalam Falls is now barred for public. This dangerous location atop the hill has several whirlpools. But for expert divers, the location is highly dangerous for regular visitors. However, we have provided the best amenities for visitors at the down reach,” he said.
