Mysuru: Following a series of deaths at the picturesque Balamuri waterfall near Srirangapatna, the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Police have installed a gate preventing tourist entry into the dangerous part of the waterfall.

The waterfall, over the years, has gained notoriety of being a death trap. This year, since January, over eight deaths were reported there and all of them were due to drowning. The Balamuri waterfall is scenic and artificial waterfall created because of the construction of a concrete barrier across Cauvery. When water is released from the KRS, it forms a beautiful sight.

Balamuri is a popular picnic spot where tourists and local people go there to spend time with their family and friends. According to the Police, most of the visitors carry alcohol and after downing a couple of pegs, they walk on the concrete barrier that is at times slippery when water is released.

When water is released, it comes at a great force at Balamuri and tourists who are on the barrier are dragged downstream that is full of sharp rocks and boulders. Since 2013, more than 40 people have been killed here and people who come here ignore warning signs, the Police said. During Dasara too, one tourist was drowned as he slipped off the concrete structure and his body is yet to be recovered, said KRS Police Sub-Inspector B.P. Byatarayanagowda. Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, he said that the gates will prevent tourists from walking on the barriers.

“We discussed the issue with the members of Sri Balamuri Kshetra Devalayagala Abhivruddhi Samithi and the committee President Shankaregowda and Secretary Thimmegowda assured us that the gates will be installed to prevent drowning,” he said.

One more gate will be set up on the other side of Balamuri to prevent visitor entry. Also, the Edamuri waterfall, on the other side of Balamuri waterfall, will be secured with gates, Byatarayanagowda said. Additional policemen will be deployed during weekends to prevent any untoward incidents, he added.

Also, the Police have decided to permanently prevent public from venturing into the waters at some identified dangerous spots at Balamuri. “There are two dangerous places and we have identified a safe place where there are steps for the tourists to enjoy in water. Visitor entry to these danger spots will be permanently banned and we will also install CCTV cameras to monitor tourist movements,” he added.