MARGAO, May 23 -- Team Herald

South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus issued prohibitory orders against swimming, bathing, or entering any waterfalls, abandoned quarries, rivers, lakes, or similar natural water bodies across the district. The order, issued on Friday, remains in effect until further notice.

The directive comes in response to the grave and recurring issue of drowning incidents that typically spike during the monsoon, particularly in scenic yet hazardous areas frequented by locals and tourists alike.

"Despite the district police's ongoing efforts to install warning signage and caution the public, individuals continue to access these sites unsafely," the order stated. The hazards cited include unpredictable water depths,...