A group of HESCOM staff and doctors had a liquor party at Batawade falls near Jamboti in Khanapur taluk, even though public visits to the forest were prohibited. The DC had issued an order to restrict access to the falls due to safety and conservation concerns. Despite the police check post, the HESCOM staff and doctors managed to enter the forest area using a government vehicle.
The group boldly entered the falls in the reserve forest area and held a liquor party. They also cooked food using a gas stove in front of the falls, breaking the rules.
Forest officials acted quickly and registered a case against four individuals, including a doctor, for illegally entering the restricted area. They seized the gas stove and cooking utensils used during the party. Further investigations revealed that some forest department officials protected the HESCOM officials during their illegal visit. The DC has instructed authorities to file complaints against the other four HESCOM staff members involved.
This is not the first time this has happened. In a previous incident, four people were charged for having fun in the forest area near Batawade Falls, despite the ban. The DC is taking a strong stance on the matter and has directed the Deputy Conservator of Forests to ensure that legal action is taken against the remaining HESCOM personnel present during the party.
