NIT Students Lost Near Mahithapuram Waterfalls Rescued
Authorities have reiterated that the waterfalls in the Mulugu region remain unsafe due to heavy rainfall and dangerously high water levels. The sub-inspector warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the current ban on visiting these areas.
Warangal: Seven students, including three girls from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, were rescued by police and forest officials after getting lost in the forest near Mahithapuram Waterfalls. The incident occurred despite an existing ban on tourist visits due to heavy rains in Mulugu district.
The region has been experiencing continuous rainfall, causing a heavy inflow of water from upstream. As a result, several waterfalls, including Bogatha, are swelling with dangerously high water levels. In response, police and forest department officials had imposed a temporary ban on visitors to these locations.
Ignoring the warnings, the seven third-year BTech students from NIT Warangal ventured to Mahithapuram Waterfalls. They parked their car in Bollaram village and trekked approximately six kilometers into the forest, reaching the site around 4.30 pm. After spending some time taking photos, they attempted to return around 7 pm. However, with darkness setting in and unfamiliar forest paths, they lost their way.
The students climbed to the top of a hill and, around 8 pm, contacted the police by dialing 100. Local police and forest officials responded swiftly, launching a search operation. Using the location from the students’ mobile phones, a team, led by forest section officer Devaiah and beat officers Pranavi and Sarala, searched on foot for over two hours before successfully locating and rescuing the group.
Venkatapuram sub-inspector K. Tirupathi Rao informed Deccan Chronicle that upon receiving the call, the rescue operation was immediately initiated in coordination with forest officials. Despite the challenges posed by the dense forest and ongoing rains, the team acted efficiently and brought all seven students to safety. The students received counseling to ease their fears, and their parents were notified before they were safely sent home.
Authorities have reiterated that the waterfalls in the Mulugu region remain unsafe due to heavy rainfall and dangerously high water levels. The sub-inspector warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the current ban on visiting these areas.
