The Forest Department was forced to close Kovai Courtallam for visitors considering their safety for the second day on Sunday following rain and strong wind in the area. Officials said that water inflow in the falls increased due to incessant rain in the catchment areas of Siruvani since Friday.
The safety of the visitors became a prime concern as Siruvani area continued to witness strong wind on Sunday. Several trees and branches fell in the wind.
“Though the waterfall usually remains closed on Mondays for weekly maintenance works, a decision on opening the dam on Monday will be decided in the morning based on the climate condition,” said C. Palaniraja, forest range officer of Pooluvampatti.
Entry to Monkey Falls located near Aliyar near Pollachi was also restricted on Sunday. A.S. Marimuthu, Deputy Director of Anamalai Tiger Reserve and District Forest Officer, Pollachi, said that upper areas of the waterfalls had received 65mm of rain.
S. Selvaraj, Forest Range Officer, Mettupalayam, said that movement of vehicles to the Nilgiris via the ghat pass was normal on Sunday and no untward incidents were reported due to rain. In Karamadai range, visitors were permitted to the ecotourism centre at Baralikadu.