With the southwest monsoon intensifying, the Kodagu district administration has prohibited unauthorised entry into rivers, waterfalls, reservoirs and other vulnerable locations across the district as a precautionary measure.

Invoking powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), headed by Deputy Commissioner Somashekar S.J., issued an order on Monday restricting public access to vulnerable areas during the monsoon as a public safety measure.

The order, issued under Section 34(c) of the Act, empowers authorities to regulate and restrict entry into disaster-prone areas. It also cites relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Under the restrictions, the public has been barred from entering rivers, streams, waterfalls, reservoirs, backwaters and other water bodies for bathing and swimming. Engaging in adventure sports at hazardous locations has also been prohibited, according to the order.

The district administration has directed the police, forest and revenue departments, local bodies, the Tourism Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and other agencies to strictly enforce the restrictions and prevent unauthorised access to vulnerable locations.

Kodagu, one of the State’s most rain-prone districts, has witnessed landslides and floods during previous monsoon seasons, prompting the administration to tighten safety measures this year.