Bhubaneswar: The Gajapati District Tourism Department has imposed a strict ban on tourist visits to the waterfalls across the district due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels that have created dangerous conditions.
The decision was officially announced following directives from the Collectorate of Gajapati to ensure public safety.
Continuous and intense rainfall in the region has led to a significant increase in the flow and water levels of the waterfalls. Authorities fear that the swelling water poses a serious risk to visitors, prompting the ban until conditions improve.
In a formal communication, the Tourism Department has instructed Block Development Officers across Mohana, Kashinagar, Rayagada, R. Udayagiri, Nuagada, Gumma, and Gajapati to enforce the ban and prevent tourists from approaching these locations.
“Due to heavy rainfall in the upper regions and hills, the flow and water level of the waterfalls have increased considerably. For the safety of tourists, entry to the waterfalls is strictly prohibited. Strict measures have been implemented to ensure compliance,” the department stated.
The district administration continues to monitor the weather situation closely and will lift the ban once the water levels return to safe limits.