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Viral social media post attracts scores of tourists to Koomapatti

Viral social media post attracts scores of tourists to Koomapatti

The Hindu2 days ago

After a video clipping on serene surroundings of Koomapatti and Pilavakkal dam along Western Ghats by a youth went viral, tourists from far and near have started to flock the region in search of scenic tourist spot.
However, they were only disappointed as they were not allowed by the officials of the Forest Department and Water Resources Department into the park along Pilavakkal Periyar dam.
'The park has remained out of bounds for people for several months after few youths died due to drowning in the dam,' said K. Balakumar, 43, of Koomapatti.
He said that the region on the foothills of Western Ghats have good potential for tourism exploitation with green mountains, salabrious water flow, a sweet water 'sunai' and a huge water spread area of the Pilavakkal dam.
But, since these areas, as shown in the video clipping, fall under Reserve Forest area, outsiders are not allowed by the Forest Department officials.
He also revealed that the picturesque view of the mountainous area and the clear water spread area could be reached only through stealth trekking for few kilometres.
'If Forest officials come up with some eco tourism programme, it will be a big hit among nature lovers,' he added.
Even the park has been closed as wild animals like elephant, wild boars, deer, fox frequently roam around,' he added.
Koomapatti which falls under S. Kodikulam Town panchayat has sprawling areas of paddy fields and a score of waterbodies that would give a typical rural setting and major attraction for tourists.
Out-going Virudhunagar Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan, who visited Koomapatti area on Thursday, in his social media post, said that nature was at its best in the region and was suitable for development of rural tourism.

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Viral social media post attracts scores of tourists to Koomapatti
Viral social media post attracts scores of tourists to Koomapatti

The Hindu

time2 days ago

  • The Hindu

Viral social media post attracts scores of tourists to Koomapatti

After a video clipping on serene surroundings of Koomapatti and Pilavakkal dam along Western Ghats by a youth went viral, tourists from far and near have started to flock the region in search of scenic tourist spot. However, they were only disappointed as they were not allowed by the officials of the Forest Department and Water Resources Department into the park along Pilavakkal Periyar dam. 'The park has remained out of bounds for people for several months after few youths died due to drowning in the dam,' said K. Balakumar, 43, of Koomapatti. He said that the region on the foothills of Western Ghats have good potential for tourism exploitation with green mountains, salabrious water flow, a sweet water 'sunai' and a huge water spread area of the Pilavakkal dam. But, since these areas, as shown in the video clipping, fall under Reserve Forest area, outsiders are not allowed by the Forest Department officials. He also revealed that the picturesque view of the mountainous area and the clear water spread area could be reached only through stealth trekking for few kilometres. 'If Forest officials come up with some eco tourism programme, it will be a big hit among nature lovers,' he added. Even the park has been closed as wild animals like elephant, wild boars, deer, fox frequently roam around,' he added. Koomapatti which falls under S. Kodikulam Town panchayat has sprawling areas of paddy fields and a score of waterbodies that would give a typical rural setting and major attraction for tourists. Out-going Virudhunagar Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan, who visited Koomapatti area on Thursday, in his social media post, said that nature was at its best in the region and was suitable for development of rural tourism.

'Hundreds will fall to death': Viral video shows huge crowd at Harihar Fort in Maharashtra, netizens warn of ‘stampede'
'Hundreds will fall to death': Viral video shows huge crowd at Harihar Fort in Maharashtra, netizens warn of ‘stampede'

Mint

time3 days ago

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People flocking to Harihar Fort in Maharashtra -- known as one of the most dangerous trekking sites in India, with its rock-cut staircase making the expedition more arduous - have raised serious safety concerns, with netizens warning of a "stampede-like" situation at the fort site. A video shared by X user Woke Eminent shows a massive crowd thronging the path, which sits at an altitude of 3,676 feet. The clip shows visitors climbing the perilous 200-foot stone steps, angled at a steep 60–70 degrees, seemingly unfazed by the narrow space and the risk of falling. Some were seen standing or sitting at the edge, with very little room to move. There is minimal space between climbers, making the situation appear hazardous. "Another major incident waiting to happen? Harihar Fort weekend crowd surge is a death trap!! This needs to be stopped or moderated, else one minor stampede or someone losing balance and it will have a cascading effect — hundreds will fall to their death," the caption of the video reads. Another user questioned how the situation was allowed to escalate, writing: 'The Forest Department in Nashik controls it and even charges a fee. They had set a 300-visitors-per-day limit, but that wasn't enforced. Now, after last week's video went viral, they've reportedly restricted tourist entry — but what action has been taken against officials who failed to act?' Some blamed tourists for ignoring obvious dangers. One wrote: 'I was recently in Bali at Kelingking Beach — similar terrain, crowded too. Authorities can't intervene everywhere. People need to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations on their own. Expecting the government to guardrail every risk will only make us dumber.' Another added: 'Hidden gems should stay hidden. This is what happens when they go viral. I urge people not to share locations of sensitive spots like this.' A third user warned of a 'stampede-like situation'. Harihar Fort, nestled in Nashik, offers a short yet intensely steep trek. The fort is famous for its dramatic 200-foot stone steps carved into the rock, rising at a sharp 60–70-degree angle. Both thrilling and intimidating, the climb isn't for the faint-hearted — but those who brave it are rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the summit. This outrage follows closely on the heels of a tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory — a stark reminder of how swiftly poor crowd control can lead to disaster.

Watch: Viral video shows why Harihar Fort could become a death trap, netizens warn 'hundreds could fall to their deaths'
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Watch: Viral video shows why Harihar Fort could become a death trap, netizens warn 'hundreds could fall to their deaths'

A viral video of a weekend trek to Harihar Fort — one of India's most perilous hiking trails — has triggered widespread concern online. Known for its steep, narrow rock-cut steps and risky terrain, the fort becomes even more dangerous during the monsoon. Despite the danger, recent footage shows a massive crowd thronging the path, with hundreds of trekkers packed tightly along the vertical stone staircase. Some were even seen clinging to rocks on the side, risking a fatal fall. The video was shared by an X user, Woke Eminent, who warned: 'Another major incident waiting to happen? Harihar Fort weekend crowd surge is a death trap! This needs to be stopped or moderated. One small stampede or someone losing balance could trigger a chain reaction — hundreds could fall to their deaths. Tag relevant authorities to alert them.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Another user questioned how the situation was allowed to escalate, writing: 'The Forest Department in Nashik controls it and even charges a fee. They had set a 300-visitors-per-day limit, but that wasn't enforced. Now, after last week's video went viral, they've reportedly restricted tourist entry — but what action has been taken against officials who failed to act?' Some blamed tourists for ignoring obvious dangers. One wrote: 'I was recently in Bali at Kelingking Beach — similar terrain, crowded too. Authorities can't intervene everywhere. People need to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations on their own. Expecting the government to guardrail every risk will only make us dumber.' Live Events Another added: 'Hidden gems should stay hidden. This is what happens when they go viral. I urge people not to share locations of sensitive spots like this.' This outcry comes just weeks after a tragic stampede killed 11 people outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 win — a reminder of how quickly crowd mismanagement can turn deadly.

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