Patna: Environment, forest and climate change department (EFCCD) has tightened restrictions on visitor activities around waterfalls in the forested hills of Kaimur to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Picnicking and cooking have been prohibited near Karisha Waterfall and several other waterfalls within the Kaimur Sanctuary area. The restrictions also prohibit lighting fires, carrying polythene and plastic, and performing stunts near waterfalls for videos and social media reels.According to EFCCD, the forested landscape of the Kaimur hills is an important wildlife habitat. With the growing number of tourists and visitors, officials have reported instances of people lighting fires to cook food, leaving plastic and polythene wastes, playing music and engaging in other activities that could disturb the forest environment.Officials said such activities could increase pollution and affect wildlife and their habitat. Fires could pose a threat to forest vegetation and animals, while plastic wastes can persist in the environment for long periods.The growing practice of performing stunts near waterfalls and recording videos and reels has also emerged as a concern. Officials said waterfalls often have steep, slippery and uneven terrain, making such activities risky and increasing the possibility of accidents.Rohtas divisional forest officer (DFO) Stalin Fiddle Kumar said Karisha Waterfall and several other waterfalls are located within the Kaimur Sanctuary area. He said restrictions had been imposed on picnicking and other activities to protect wildlife and preserve the natural character of the region.Officials have appealed to tourists and local residents to cooperate in preserving the ecological balance of the forest area and comply with the restrictions imposed within the sanctuary.
