Several trekkers to the Dudhsagar falls on Goa-Karnataka border were made to do sit-ups according to a video that is now going viral on social media. The trekkers were punished by the Railway Police as they got down from the train before the scheduled station and crossed the train tracks to reach the falls, which is prohibited as per laws, according to various reports. As the waterfall turns majestic during the monsoon season with its water gushing down the green landscape, tourists from neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra visit the spot.
These visitors walk along the tracks of the South Western Railway (SWR) line to reach the Dudhsagar falls after getting off the train at South Goa’s Collem station.
Another video doing rounds on social media show a huge crowd of people standing on the tracks.
However, in view of the likelihood of mishaps during the monsoon season, the Goa Police, the forest department, and Railways issued orders banning trekking due to heavy rainfalls.
Last week, the Goa government banned people from visiting the falls after two people drowned at Mainapi waterfall in Sanguem taluka.
The South Western Railways also urged people not to get off the train and walk on or along the tracks to watch the waterfalls.
“We urge you to savour the beauty of Dudhsagar Falls from WITHIN your coach. Walking on/along tracks not only endangers your own safety but is also an offence under Section 147, 159 of Railway Act. It can also endanger (the) safety of trains,” SWR said in a tweet on Sunday.
“De-boarding at Dudhsagar or any other station along the Braganza Ghat is prohibited. All passengers are requested to co-operate & follow rules laid down for your own safety,” it added.