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Bathing ban at Courtallam waterfalls in TN extended for 7th consecutive day

Chennai, May 31 (IANS) Tourists have been barred from bathing in the famed Courtallam waterfalls for the seventh consecutive day, as authorities continue to enforce safety measures in light of the ongoing flood situation triggered by heavy southwest monsoon rain.

With the southwest monsoon intensifying over neighbouring Kerala, several districts in Tamil Nadu, especially those bordering the Western Ghats, have been experiencing persistent rainfall.

Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts, in particular, have recorded continuous drizzles and occasional heavy showers over the past week.

The sustained rainfall has led to a significant increase in water inflow into key reservoirs and water bodies across the region, causing water levels to surge rapidly.

Among the most visibly affected locations is the Courtallam waterfalls, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic cascades and therapeutic waters. However, the same allure has now turned dangerous due to flooding caused by the relentless rain.

Officials from the district administration and Tourism Department have reiterated that the ban on bathing in all falls in the Courtallam region – including Main Falls, Five Falls, Old Courtallam, and Tiger Falls – has been extended as a precautionary measure.

They cited safety concerns due to the strong water currents, increased flow volume, and slippery surroundings.

“Public safety remains our top priority. The monsoon has led to a volatile situation in the hills, and allowing tourists near the falls could pose life-threatening risks,” a senior official from the Tenkasi district administration stated.

Tourists arriving in the region have been informed about the ban and are being requested to avoid entering restricted areas.

Barricades have been set up at all key entry points, and local police personnel are stationed to ensure compliance. The bathing ban will remain in place until weather conditions improve and water levels return to safe limits, the officials added.

Meanwhile, the district administration continues to monitor rainfall activity and reservoir levels closely.

–IANS

aal/svn

Light rain predicted in parts of South Gujarat: IMD

Ahmedabad, Oct 21 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next few days in parts of South Gujarat and adjoining union territories.

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, Valsad, and the UTs of Daman, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli may experience intermittent rainfall till October 25, while the rest of the state is expected to remain dry.

From October 25 onward, weather conditions are likely to stabilise, with dry weather prevailing across Gujarat. Meteorologists attribute the unexpected post-monsoon showers to the presence of three active weather systems over the region.

These include a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea, a newly formed low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, and an upper-air cyclonic circulation persisting off the Kerala coast.

The IMD on Tuesday observed that the low-pressure system over the southeast Arabian Sea was likely to intensify into a depression within 24 hours, moving slowly westward. Simultaneously, under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, another low-pressure area developed over the southwest Bay, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, and is expected to strengthen further over the next 36 hours.

In addition, a cyclonic circulation off the Kerala coast and a trough extending from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal continue to influence atmospheric conditions. A separate system over northwest Rajasthan, extending to central Madhya Pradesh, and a Western Disturbance at mid-tropospheric levels — roughly along longitude 66 degrees E and north of latitude 25 degrees N — also remain active.

Overall, weather experts say South Gujarat could witness sporadic post-monsoon activity through the week before skies clear from October 26 onward, marking the transition to a dry and stable early winter phase for the state. Gujarat has recorded close to 90 per cent of its long-period average (LPA) rainfall by the end of August, with the total seasonal rainfall at around 792.93 mm against a normal of below 882 mm.

Across regions, the percentages vary: South Gujarat stands at 93.7 per cent of normal, East-Central at about 88.6 per cent, Saurashtra at 84.3 per cent, and Kutch at 85.1 per cent. By early September, some data suggest the statewide average had climbed above 100 per cent of LPA — for example, 102.89 per cent as of a certain date, with South Gujarat around 108 per cent, North Gujarat at 107 per cent, and Saurashtra at 91 per cent.

–IANS

janvi/dpb

U’khand reschedules public holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day to Nov 25

Dehradun, Nov 23 (IANS) The Uttarakhand government has revised the date of the public holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day for 2025, shifting it from November 24 to November 25.

The change has been notified through an official order issued by the state’s General Administration Department.

The earlier notification had listed November 24 (Monday) as a public holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day. The new order partially amends that notification.

According to the government, the holiday will now be observed on November 25 (Tuesday), instead of the previously declared November 24.

The revised date will apply to state government offices, non-government offices, and educational institutions across Uttarakhand.

The notification clarifies that the revised public holiday will not apply to the Uttarakhand Secretariat, the State Assembly, and those government offices where a five-day work week is in force. Such establishments will continue to follow their existing schedule, as per norms. The order states that the revised notification should be considered applicable strictly to the extent of the date change, with all other conditions remaining unaltered.

No modifications have been made to any other holidays or clauses mentioned in the earlier 2024 notification.

State officials said the decision was taken to ensure that the observance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day aligns with the accurate calendar date for 2025.

The Sikh community traditionally marks the day to commemorate the martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru, who is remembered for his defence of religious freedom and his sacrifice under the Mughal regime.

The revised order has been digitally signed by Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary, Uttarakhand. Copies of the amended notification have been circulated to all relevant administrative departments, district authorities, and senior officials for compliance.

Public institutions and offices covered under the notification have been instructed to implement the revised date and update their holiday schedules accordingly.

The General Administration Department has also directed concerned departments to ensure that the revised information is communicated effectively so that employees and institutions are aware of the correct holiday date.

With the updated order, November 25 will now be observed as the official public holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day across the state, replacing the earlier notified date.

–IANS

pgh/dan