Activist flags safety lapses at Tilari

Pic: Search operation for the missing student at Tilari falls (File pic)Belagavi: Following the drowning death of a dental student at Tilari Falls, wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has urged the forest department to temporarily suspend tourism activities at the Dhamane–Bailur Reserve Forest and other ecotourism sites until mandatory safety protocols are fully enforced. In a representation to deputy conservator of forests NE Kranti, Kulkarni flagged serious lapses in visitor safety, emergency preparedness and basic infrastructure at forest-managed tourism locations. He said the April 25 incident at Tilari Falls was deeply concerning and preventable. Kulkarni recalled that forest minister Eshwar Khandre had issued clear directions on April 8 after a series of tragic incidents across Karnataka, including the disappearance of trekker Sharanya at Tadiandamol and the death of a girl from Kerala at Manikyadhara Falls. These incidents prompted the forest department to notify a comprehensive standard operating procedure for ecotourism. However, Kulkarni said compliance on the ground, especially at Tilari, remains inadequate. He noted that the anti-poaching camp infrastructure at Dhamane is unfit for tourist activity, citing the absence of lighting, safety railings, protective fencing, mobile connectivity and basic rescue equipment such as life jackets and ropes.