Panaji: A group of college students stranded at Jalvane waterfall in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary was rescued on Tuesday night after entering the protected area without permission, despite monsoon restrictions on visits and swimming at waterfalls. Later, the students were booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for unauthorised entry and illegal trespassing.The male students, all aged around 19 to 20 years, got stranded after rising water levels during high tide cut off their route out of the waterfall area.“They had entered without taking permission. Most of the waterfalls have been closed for swimming during the monsoon,” a forest official said.A search was launched after receiving information on the forest helpline that people were looking out for the students. Authorities received inputs from the forest range staff, helping narrow down the possible location.Initially, rescuers were unsure which waterfall the students had visited, as the Mhadei region has around 16 waterfalls. They were then located at Jalvane waterfall and evacuated. Officials said none of the students suffered injuries.The forest department has warned visitors against venturing into waterfalls and forested areas during the monsoon.
