Karnataka: Thousands of people throng waterfalls, backwaters during weekends

Mysuru: A large number of people have been visiting Balamuri, Yedamuri, Gaganachukki falls in Srirangapatna and Malavalli taluks and Bharachukki in Chamarajanagar district, which is in full bounty, due to good rains and water released from the dams.

But, a few excited youths have been littering picnic spots, turning them into an eyesore. Some overenthusiastic people have been inviting danger, by going very close to the falls. The authorities concerned have taken measures to prevent this.

It may be mentioned that an autorickshaw driver slipped into River Cauvery and was washed away, while recording a video, in Srirangapatna taluk, recently.

With good outflow into the river, from Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini dams, the waterfalls at Bharachukki in Chamarajanagar district, Gaganachukki in Malavalli, Mandya district, Balamuri and Yedamuri, where the River Cauvery splits into two, forming two man-made water falls, KRS backwaters, and Chunchanakatte waterfalls in KR Nagar taluk, have been attracting a large number of visitors. Around 25,000 cusec of water is being let into the river from the KRS and Kabini dams, as on July 14.

Vehicular traffic

Thousands of people and nature lovers visited Bharachukki waterfalls, in Kollegal taluk, Chamarajanagar district, on Sunday. There was heavy vehicular traffic on the route, with a large number of people from Bengaluru and other places, as part of their weekend trip. People of all ages, especially youths, were in large numbers.

A group of friends, all paramedical students from Bengaluru, had come for a trip to Bharachukki. Haripriya, doing internship in physiotherapy said, after reading about the Bharachukki and Gaganachukki falls on the social media, we planned a day-long trip on Sunday. But, there was heavy traffic on the Bhrachukki route and our car had to literally move in a snail's pace, she said.

Cauvery River splits near Wellesley bridge and plunges into the Bharachukki falls. The Forest department has made provisions for the visitors to enjoy the beauty of the falls, during monsoon season. However, some overexcited youths went very near the falls through the Budagatte Doddi route and stood at the edge performing crazy acts, forgetting the danger and risk.

When brought to her notice, Chamarajanagar DC Shilpa Nag assured that she has directed the Forest and Police department to take steps, to prevent the youths going very near to the falls.

Pradeep from Bengaluru said they have been visiting Gaganachukki and Bharachukki falls for the last few years, with family members. "We spent the whole day here, tasting fried fish and other items," he said.

Sri Adishakti temple near Shivanasamudra, which is open on Sunday and Tuesdays, was visited by a large number of devotees.

This monsoon has helped the locals to do some business, selling fish curry, fried fish, bajji, bonda, tea, coffee and others.

KRS backwaters

The KRS backwaters, especially Meenakshipura, have been drawing a young crowd, who enjoy the serene atmosphere, spending memorable time.

However, a few create public nuisance, by consuming liquor, playing loud music and even littering the place with bottles and other trash, turning it into an eyesore. The Police department has taken measures and has even taken a few into custody recently in this regard.