Viral video: Officials Punish Trekkers at Dudhsagar Falls with Sit-Ups

Dudhsagar Falls, located on the Goa-Karnataka border, has become the center of attention on social media after a video showing tourists being punished went viral.

According to reports, a group of trekkers was allegedly subjected to sit-ups by Railway Police officials for disembarking the train before the designated station and crossing the train tracks to reach the falls. This action is strictly prohibited, leading to the punishment.

Dudhsagar Falls is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the monsoon season. As it offers a breathtaking view of cascading water amidst lush greenery tourists like to visit the place a lot. Visitors from various districts, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Hubballi-Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Pune, flock to this location. After alighting at Collem station in South Goa, they typically walk along the tracks of the South Western Railway line to reach Dudhsagar.

Railway Police Punish Trekkers at Dudhsagar Waterfall. #Dudhsagar #travel pic.twitter.com/hM94awOmcy

— Naveen Navi (@IamNavinaveen) July 16, 2023

However, the Goa Police, forest department, and Railways have issued orders prohibiting trekking during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and the high risk of accidents. Recently, the Goa government imposed a ban on visiting waterfalls in the state following two drowning incidents at Mainapi waterfall in Sanguem taluka.

In response to these concerns, the South Western Railway took to Twitter, urging people not to walk along the tracks. The railway’s tweet emphasized enjoying the beauty of Dudhsagar Falls from within the train coaches and highlighted the dangers associated with walking on or along the tracks. It referred to sections 147 and 159 of the Railway Act, which classify such actions as criminal offenses. The tweet further emphasized that such activities pose a risk to personal safety and the safety of trains. The South Western Railway appealed to passengers to cooperate and abide by the safety regulations in place.

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 safety of trains. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Puj7hKh5JF

— South Western Railway (@SWRRLY) July 16, 2023

Dudhsagar Falls, named after its resemblance to a “sea of milk” in translation, stands impressively at a height of 1,017 feet. Originating from the Mandovi River and nestled amidst the Western Ghats, it continues to attract nature enthusiasts despite the restrictions in place.