Heavy flow of water seen at Gokak waterfall. Louis Rodrigues
Rains may have wreaked havoc in Belagavi region but it has been a boon for waterfalls at Chorla Ghat, Kankumbi and Gokak.
Due to the heavy flow of water, Goan visitors are expected to arrive at at Gokak waterfall which is about 60 kilometres from Belagavi. The waterfall is shaped like a horse-shoe, resembling the famous Niagara fall.
About 28,000 cusecs of water has been released from the Hidkal dam due to the recent heavy rains.
“We have released more water as compared to last year. Based on the forecast, the release of water would continue for next few days,” Hidkal Dam Incharge AEE Salim Madiwale said.
This means the waterfalls in the region are expected to roar for few more days giving opportunity to the tourists for a rewarding weekend.
Tourists from the region have been thronging to the Gokak waterfall to watch the river taking a leap of 52 metres (171 ft) over the sandstone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge.
However, the 200-mtr-long hanging bridge that lies 14 m above the bedrock has been is closed for public for safety reasons.
The ancient temples of Goddess Durga, Lord Shanmukha and Lord Mahalingeshwara built in the traditional Chalukyan style of architecture are also an added attraction.
Visitors also halt at the Gokak town at the foothills of rocky mountains to purchase the famous sweet ‘Gokak Kardant’.
Meanwhile, authorities are mindful that youth try to take selfies from the edge of the cliff. “Security and barricades are in place. Gokak police has been taking preventive measures while additional staff is deployed on the weekends,” Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Patil told The Goan.
