Waterfalls in C’nagar reopen as district admin eases curbs

S Ramesh
Mysuru: Chamarajanagar district administration, which had restricted entry of visitors at several tourist spots following a huge discharge of water from upstream rivers, has relaxed its rules from Saturday.
It has initiated a slew of development programmes and tourist-friendly measures to attract visitors to witness the scenic beauty of waterfalls.
It may be recalled here the Chamarajanagar district administration had restricted the entry of visitors to the falls on July 13 due to rising water level in the river much to the disappointment of tourists, particularly from Bengaluru, who used to throng on weekends to get a glimpse of the cascading waterfalls.
The gushing falls have been drawing tourists for the last few days. Usually, Bharachukki falls come alive in the month of July.
As Gaganachukki waterfalls which comes under the jurisdiction of Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, is located very close to Bharachukki Falls of Chamarajanagar district, a large number of tourists visit it throughout the year to get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring sight of water falls.
Speaking to TOI, deputy conservator of forests V Edukondalu said that Bharachukki Waterfalls is recording daily average footfall between 1,000 to 2,500 which will go up during the weekend. “Chamarajanagar district administration and tourist department have now sanctioned Rs 2.5 crore it sought for construction of amphitheater, welcome arch, food court and other basic facilities for tourists near the spot,” he said.
The department will float a tender next week to start the works, he said.
A detailed project report was already submitted by his department three years back to district administration in his regard, he added.
The department officials will not the visitors to climb down the steps to the view point and tourists have been asked to watch water cascading from a safe distance, and to avoid climbing down platforms to take selfies risking their safety, he said.