'23 lives lost here': Kanthanpara's deadly deep stretch keeps claiming victims

The death of a 33-year-old youth at Kanthanpara Waterfall has once again highlighted the dangers of entering a prohibited deep section of the river, where 23 people have died after entering the deep section, according to District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) officials.

Amal Vishnu, son of Sasi and Usha and a native of Kozhuvana near Cheeral, drowned after entering the deep section near the second waterfall on Thursday. His body was recovered late that night, more than three hours after he went missing.

According to DTPC unit manager C R Hariharan, visitors are routinely warned about the dangers in the restricted section. "So far, 23 people have lost their lives after entering the deep section," he said. Many of those who ventured into the area despite the warnings drowned within minutes, he added.

"Only those who were extremely fortunate managed to survive after entering the dangerous stretch," Hariharan said.

Despite repeated warnings and clear demarcation of the restricted area, visitors, particularly youngsters, continue to venture into the prohibited section, often underestimating the depth and force of the water.

Amal's death followed a pattern that DTPC staff say they have repeatedly witnessed at the site. Amal was part of a group of 22 youngsters, all employees of a jewellery group in Kotagiri near Coonoor, who had visited the waterfall on a leisure trip. The group had initially entered the water near the first waterfall, where the river was relatively shallow. However, visitors are prohibited from entering the deeper section near the second waterfall.

A rope had been stretched across the restricted area and warning messages placed to prevent visitors from entering the dangerous stretch, DTPC staff said.

A DTPC staff member told Onmanorama that two women staff members were on duty when Amal and his companions approached the restricted area around 5pm. The staff warned the group and asked them not to cross the rope. While most of the youngsters moved away, a few remained near the spot.

According to DTPC staff, Amal may have entered the deep section after jumping into the water, as he had reportedly done earlier in the shallower portion. His companions may initially have assumed that he would be able to swim back to safety.

However, staff members soon noticed that he was struggling. His hands gradually disappeared beneath the water and he began losing his balance. A security guard who noticed the incident immediately entered the deep section in an attempt to rescue him, risking his own life. However, he was unable to save Amal.

The river was flowing strongly at the time, with water gushing through the dangerous stretch. Witnesses said the combination of the depth and strong current may have made it difficult for Amal to stay afloat.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Kalpetta, members of the Thurki Jeevan Raksha Samithi volunteer group and local experts took part in the search before recovering his body from the river.

The latest death has renewed concerns over safety at waterfalls and deep pools during the monsoon, when water levels and currents can change rapidly.

Officials have urged visitors to strictly follow safety instructions, remain within designated areas and never cross barricades, ropes or warning lines, even if the water appears calm.

DTPC staff have warned that the seemingly calm surface of the water can conceal strong currents and dangerous depths, making the restricted section particularly hazardous.