Kovai Kutralam Closed to Public Following Heavy Rains in the Western Ghats

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Forest Division has temporarily suspended eco-tourism activities at the Kovai Kutralam waterfalls from Wednesday, October 7, after heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats caused a sharp and dangerous rise in water flow at the popular tourist spot.

The waterfall area, located within the Sadiyal and Boluvampatti forest ranges, has seen a significant surge in water flow following continuous heavy rain in the catchment areas of the Western Ghats along the Coimbatore-Nilgiris region.

The Siruvani catchment and dam area received close to 200 mm of rainfall, which has increased the inflow into the Kovai Kutralam waterfall, situated at the foothills of the Siruvani hills, resulting in a strong and fast-moving flood.As the water flow reached a dangerous level, the Forest Department restricted access to the waterfall to prevent tourists and members of the public from entering the area and to ensure their safety.

In a statement, the Coimbatore Forest Division said that heavy rain continuing in the Western Ghats had resulted in severe flooding at the Kovai Kutralam waterfall, and that considering the safety of tourists and the public, eco-tourism activities at the spot had been temporarily suspended from October 7.

Forest officials said the tourist facility would be reopened only after rainfall subsides and water flow in the waterfall returns to a safe and manageable level.Tourists who had planned to visit Kovai Kutralam on Wednesday have been advised to postpone their visit until further notice.