Bogatha Waterfall in Mulugu closed till July 26; 4 other waterfalls permanently shut

Hyderabad: The Forest Department has announced the temporary suspension of public access to the Bogatha Waterfall in Mulugu district following heavy rainfall in the forest region. The closure will remain in effect until July 26, according to a statement from District Forest Officer (DFO) Kishan Jadhav.

In a safety-related move, the department has also permanently closed access to four other waterfalls: Muthyandara, Kongala, Mamidiloddi, and Krishnapuram. The decision, Kishan Jadhav stated, was made in light of ongoing risks posed by extreme weather and terrain conditions. Visitors have been strictly warned against attempting to enter these areas.

Forest officials highlighted that legal action will be taken against individuals who violate these directives. Police cases will be filed against trespassers.

Bogatha Waterfall, located on the Cheekupally stream in Wazeedu Mandal, is about 90 km from Mulugu, 120 km from Bhadrachalam, and 140 km from Warangal. The newly constructed Eturnagaram bridge on National Highway 163 has reduced the travel distance from Hyderabad from 440 kilometers to 329 kilometers. Bogatha is the second-largest waterfall in Telangana and is often referred to as the "Telangana Niagara."

The closure follows intense rainfall across northern and eastern Telangana on July 22. Mulugu district recorded some of the highest totals, with Venkatapuram receiving 255 mm of rain in 24 hours. Eturunagaram saw 184.5 mm, and Mangapet recorded 158.8 mm. Other areas, including Bheemadevarapalle in Hanumakonda and Kothaguda in Mahabubabad, also experienced significant rainfall.

Data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society showed rainfall accumulations between 70 mm and over 250 mm across various districts between 8:30 a.m. on July 22 and 8:00 a.m. on July 23. Forest authorities urge the public to cooperate and stay away from restricted areas until further notice.