Chikale Falls Reopens Despite Safety Concerns
The popular Chikale Waterfalls located in the Kanakumbi forest of Khanapur taluk, around 45 km from Belagavi, has been reopened to tourists from June 11. The Forest Department has allowed limited entry under specific conditions, even as safety concerns continue to loom large.
Tourists can access the waterfall after a 2 km trek from the parking area. Entry charges have been fixed at ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children. Additional fees include ₹40 for two-wheelers, ₹60 for four-wheelers, ₹100 for minibuses and larger vehicles, and ₹50 for cameras. The revenue is being collected by the local Village Forest Committee.
Despite the reopening, the area remains under scrutiny due to previous accidents and lack of stringent safety measures. Though forest officials have installed fencing at certain high-risk zones and deployed four personnel for crowd monitoring, several visitors – especially youth – have been seen crossing safety barriers to take selfies and videos dangerously close to the edge.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Maria Christu Raja D, stated that efforts are being made to improve tourist facilities at the site. Plans are underway to set up restrooms, drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, and snack stalls for visitor convenience.
Environmentalists, however, have raised concerns about the premature reopening without adequate precautions. They stressed that unless proper safety measures are implemented and enforced, the site remains a potential risk zone for tourists.
The Forest Department has advised visitors to follow guidelines strictly and cooperate with the staff for a safe experience.
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