Balmuri, more a watery grave than picnic spot

Boards to display the death toll; authorities yet to take measures

Picnics are ending up in tragedies. The beautiful fall of water from the horseshoe-shaped bund across River Cauvery at Balmuri is not as calm as it looks. It is proving fatal due to the callousness of youngsters who are recklessly ignoring the warnings.

Balmuri, which is located in Srirangapatna taluk in Mandya is a man-made reservoir, a few kilometers away from Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, and eighteen kilometers away from Mysore on the way to Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.

The falls is popular among youngsters from in and around Mysore and also from Bangalore, Tamil Nadu and even from Kerala, who visit the place in large numbers.
But, instead of enjoying the serenity, playing in the water within permitted limits, youngsters have been venturing into restricted area. And, not all of them are lucky enough to return safely.

Due to the presence of strong currents, swimming in the restricted area and walking on the bund has been banned. The river bed is uneven and at some places it is too deep. The presence of rocks double the danger.

To ensure safety of visitors, the police department has put up warning boards — cautioning the public against venturing into restricted area. But, youngsters are least bothered, say authorities.

They even hoodwink policemen on patrol. One policeman patrols the area on weekdays, and two policemen are deputed on weekends, as the number of visitors increase.

As per the information available, fifty persons have drowned since 2008. While nine persons each drowned in the years 2008, 2009, and 2012; eight deaths were reported in 2010; while 11 deaths were reported in 2011. There have been four drownings in the last four months this year, despite the low water levels. All victims have been young men.

Last year, the police also contemplated booking criminal cases against those who violated the warnings — under some sections of the Indian Penal Code.

 The department was on the verge of evoking Section 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code. However, with limited personnel to look into numerous issues in the department, implementation of the same has taken a hit.

Also, consumption of alcohol by the youngsters at the falls has been posing a major problem. Shopkeepers in the area say that most of the youngsters, publicly drink and behave arrogantly. They also derive pleasure in throwing empty bottles into water. Broken bottles also cause harm to those who enter water, they complain. KRS police sub-inspector P Puttaswamy said that he was planning to collate statistics of drowning cases so far and display it along with warnings on boards to create awareness among visitors.

Puttaswamy said Balmuri has access from all sides and there are private farms on two sides. “There is no fence or gate, so youngsters venture from all directions. They can come at all hours, even at odd hours. We have asked the parking contractors to streamline vehicles so that there is some order. Steps will be taken to secure the surroundings, once the election is complete,” he said.