Karwar: The Forest Department of Uttara Kannada is all set to welcome tourists to the waterfalls in the district during the upcoming monsoon season. Uttara Kannada is called mother of waterfalls because of the large number of waterfalls in the district.

 During the monsoon season, thousands of people from within and outside the state throng the district to enjoy the beauty of waterfalls. Sathodi, Magod, Vibhooti, Unchalli, Shirley, Shivaganga, Apsarakonda, Anshi and Burude waterfalls are very popular among the tourists.

Apart from these main waterfalls, there are many small waterfalls in the district. Earlier, there were no minimum facilities like approach roads, footpath, drinking water, toilets and canteen. But now, the Forest Department along with the Tourism Department has developed facilities at selected waterfalls. For the maintenance of the same, the Forest Department has formed village forest committee (VFC) involving nearby villages

. The youths of these villages have been maintaining the waterfalls, ensuring cleanliness around them and safety of tourists. To avoid accident, the Forest Department has deployed volunteers of ‘Pravasi Mitra’, members of VFC and forest guards. They keep a track on the movement of tourists. The selected waterfalls, which attract more number of tourists, have been provided with staff and basic facilities. Road, canteen, seating and toilet facilities have been made at Vibhooti, Magod, Unchalli, Shirley and Burude waterfalls. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Honnavar division, Vasant Reddy said they have deployed volunteers of Pravasi Mitra, VFC and forest guards at Vibhooti waterfalls, which witnesses huge footfall during monsoon.

 Basic facilities like toilets, footpath, benches, signboards, railings and pergola have been created during the last two years. By paying a minimum ticket price, the tourists can enter the waterfalls area. Sathodi waterfalls near Yellapur is one of the popular waterfalls in the district. During the last monsoon season, big rocks had fallen down on the footpath leading to the waterfalls. Pergola and footpath were damaged in the incident. After which, the Forest Department had put restriction on the entry of tourists last year.

Yellapur DCF Yatish Kumar said they have cleared the rocks that fell on the footpath leading to the waterfalls and removed the debris of pergola and others. Now it is free for tourists’ entry. The damaged things including footpath and pergola have not reconstructed, but there is no problem for entry of tourists. The development works will start once fund is released.

 However, other waterfalls like Shirley, Shivaganga, Apsarakonda, Anshi and Burude are yet to get minimum facilities. The Forest Department expects funds from the Tourism Department for the purpose. Deployment of lifeguards The district administration had deployed lifeguards near some of the waterfalls following tragedies during the last monsoon season.

 It withdrew the lifeguards when the waterfalls dried up after the rainy season. This year, the administration has so far not taken a decision on deploying lifeguards. It is said that the deputy commissioner will take a decision in this regard next month.