GFDC allows ticket to botanical garden
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
SANGUEM, SEPT 4
Preventing visitors from one section of the Selaulim Dam due to security reasons makes little sense if people are still allowed to visit the lower end of the dam.
The Water Resources Department’s (WRD) decision to stop visitors to the dam site runs contradictory to efforts by the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) to encourage visitors to the botanical garden, located on the lower end of the Selaulim Dam.
While on the one hand, the WRD has put a complete stop to the entry of visitors to the Selaulim Dam citing security reasons, the order holds no good as visitors continue to enter the lower portion of the dam area on the tickets issued by the GFDC.
Many believe that if entry to the dam has been reportedly stopped for security reasons, the GFDC should also follow suit as the botanical garden is located within the precincts of the Selaulim Dam.
Incidentally, there is one common gate for entry to the Selaulim Dam and the botanical garden. The second gate on top of the dam is, however, closed for all visitors.
“If visitors to the dam are stopped due to security reasons, then the GFDC should also issue similar orders. Else, the very purpose of the WRD order is defeated, if people continue to visit the lower portion of the dam,” remarked a local.
WRD Assistant Engineer Mr Hosamani, however, could not specify when the order would be withdrawn.
