Policemen deployed on Charmadi Ghat to stop tourists from crowding waterfalls, blocking road

CHIKKAMAGALUR: With increasing number of tourists risking their lives at waterfalls and rock faces for selfies, while parking their vehicles on the Charmadi Ghat road, hampering movement of traffic, the police have now deployed personnel to prevent such activities and to keep the road clear for traffic.

Public TV had earlier reported how tourists who pass through Charmadi Ghat have been risking their lives climbing on slippery rocks and also creating traffic jams on the narrow road, much to the annoyance of other motorists.

Tourists risk their lives on Charmadi Ghat road for clicking selfies.

There are many waterfalls along the scenic route and unmindful of other road users and their own safety, several tourists could be seen climbing on the rocks at waterfalls which may have algal deposits. There have been several instances in the past when people have slipped and broken bones and even suffered head injuries. Some have even lost their lives.

Some tourists park their vehicles on the wrong side of the road and remain unfazed even as traffic piles up on either side. Groups of youngster break into dance and later post videos and photos on their social media accounts.

Vehicles are not being allowed to stop near waterfalls.

Several other tourists and motorists have slammed the attitude of such tourists. The police should take strict action against those who risk their lives by climbing on the rocks or cause traffic jams by haphazard parking. Locals too had demanded that there should be regular patrols along the Ghad road, or police personnel stationed near waterfalls to prevent tourists from endangering their lives and blocing the road.

Following this, the Chikkamagalur police have now deployed personnel on the road who will be stationed near one of the major waterfalls through the day.