PONDA: A trip to the famous Dudhsagar Falls at Collem turned out to be a punishment for several tourists from Maharashtra and Karnataka, as they were stopped by forest officials, CRPF personnel and security guards from visiting the railway bridge to catch a glimpse of the majestic waterfall and forced to do sit-ups on the railway tracks.
It is pertinent to note that the government has banned the entry of visitors to the waterfalls across the State.
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Videos of tourists forced to do sit-ups as punishment on the railway tracks for illegally entering the site went viral on social media. Tourists complained that they were not aware of the ban.
Reacting to the ban, the locals and tourists said such a ban is expected from the government in the tourism State of Goa. However, there was no confirmation on the punishment meted out on tourists as the forest officials refused to divulge into details.
The locals called upon the government to make announcements with regards to the ban on the entry of visitors to waterfalls across the State in national media since Dudhsagar Falls is a world famous spot.
Meanwhile, around 100 local tourist guides, having permits from the Forest Department, are dependent on trekking. These guides fear that they would lose livelihood on account of the ban imposed by the State government.
Stating that each year, trekking to the Dudhsagar Falls starts on June 10 and this year till date, the same has not commenced, they demanded that the government withdraw the ban immediately.
They further claimed that over 100 tourist guides in Collem, who are dependent on tourism, have been unemployed. Hotels and tourism-related businesses in Collem have been affected by the ban.
Meanwhile, when contacted, A forest official stated that the recent ban on the entry of visitors to the Dudhsagar Falls is due to the two deaths reported at waterfalls across the state.
The official said the government has planned a training session for tourist guides and after undergoing the same, trekking will be allowed at the waterfall.
He said the government will soon take a decision in this regard. Due to the incessant rains and flooding of the river, trekking to the site has been delayed keeping in mind the safety of visitors.
