Shivamogga: After the death of a Bengaluru resident at Talasi Abbi last week, the forest department closed the waterfall on Monday. The forest department has stopped visitors from visiting the waterfalls by blocking access to the forest path leading to the falls. The location lies within Manibylu forest in Sulugodu village of Yadur gram panchayat, Hosanagar taluk. Forest authorities have confirmed that Talasi Abbi falls was barricaded and closed on June 1, with warning signage installed. Unauthorised forest entry and photography constitute punishable offences, forest authorities stated.Deputy conservator of forest (Kudremukh division) Shivaram Babu stated the falls’ significant depth makes it unsuitable for tourism activities.Content creators disregarding warning signs Sagar DSP Gopalkrishna Naik cautioned about violations at Jog falls. He said that content creators are disregarding warning signs and climbing rocks above the falls to create videos. He confirmed they are investigating profiles and will prosecute offenders and their accomplices.Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the forest department’s closure of Chakra falls in Hosanagar taluk. Initially, there were no strict restrictions, but increased youth visits and social media documentation led to concerns about wildlife protection. Subsequently, the forest department has restricted public access.A local Nitin Nagara criticised these measures, stating they would negatively impact the developing Hosanagar, particularly nature-rich Nagara.Rainland Trust activist Chirag noted that monetisation through social media is driving youth to explore hidden falls and streams. He suggested prosecuting offenders to discourage dangerous behaviour. He explained that falls like Talasi Abbi looks spectacular during monsoon as the stream flows through the forest, but water levels are unpredictable due to varying rainfall.TNN/ Filed by Udaya Sagar/ Cleared by Aravind
