Following a series of drowning incidents at the popular Balmuri tourist spot in Srirangapatna taluk, the Mandya district administration has stepped up safety measures, banning entry to the Cauvery river and swimming at identified danger zones.

Deputy Commissioner Kumar, who chaired a meeting in Mandya on Monday to discuss precautionary measures, directed officials to accord top priority to tourist safety and strengthen preventive mechanisms along the river stretch.

Stating that recurring fatalities had raised serious concerns, he said entry to the river at Balmuri and nearby hazardous locations has been strictly prohibited. The use of unsafe coracles has also been banned.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Police Department, Tourism Department and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam to jointly implement safety measures to prevent further loss of lives.

A committee comprising officials from the Tourism Department, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam, the taluk administration and the police has been formed to oversee implementation of safety arrangements.

Stating that many visitors lose their lives due to a lack of awareness about water depth, strong currents and hidden whirlpools, Dr. Kumar directed the officials to install prominent warning and information boards at vulnerable locations along the riverbank. The administration also plans to deploy Home Guards to guide tourists, install CCTV cameras and use public address systems to issue safety announcements.

Local farmers will be sensitised to immediately alert the police if tourists are found entering dangerous zones or areas known for deep waters and whirlpools.

Mandya Superintendent of Police Shobharani said that the Home Guards would be deployed along the riverbank to warn tourists, while police personnel would maintain continuous vigil in the Balmuri area.

Officials from the Tourism Department, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam and the police attended the meeting.