Shivamogga: Hundreds of tourists flocked to the world-famous Jog Falls in Shivamogga district over the weekend, even though monsoon rainfall in the region remains well below average.Due to the lack of heavy seasonal rains, the falls have yet to attain their characteristic grandeur. Instead of the usual roaring cascades, visitors were greeted by a relatively thin flow of water, making for a less spectacular sight.Despite the low water levels, large crowds continued to visit the site, prompting authorities to tighten security measures to manage the rush and prevent reckless behaviour.Police from Siddapura in Uttara Kannada district sealed all unauthorised routes and illegal trekking paths leading to the top of the waterfalls. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Siddapura police station.The crackdown follows a recent security breach in which police registered an FIR against three local youths. The accused — Mohan Shubhakara Gowda, 26, Bharath Gowda, 27, and Madan Gowda, all residents of Joginakoppa in Shivamogga district — allegedly trespassed beyond safety barricades to film videos and take photographs on the slippery Raja Falls rock ledge near the cliff edge, police said.With tourist footfall remaining high despite the weak monsoon, authorities have deployed additional police personnel, strengthened barricades, and issued strict warnings urging visitors to remain within designated viewing areas.
