ERWIN FONSECA
MAPUSA: It is not always common to see a practitioner of medicine venture into wildlife conservation and develop a deep connection with nature. However, Dr Prithviraj Amonkar, a well-established homeopath, has seamlessly balanced both his medical profession and his passion for wildlife.
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Having completed a graduation and post-graduation in Homeopathy, Medicine, and Surgery (BHMS), Dr Amonkar, hailing from a reputed Mapusa family (originally from Amona), started his general practice in 1997 by opening a small clinic in Mapusa. As a young doctor on the threshold of a bright future, he quickly established a solid reputation as he was immersed in consultations from dawn to dusk.
In 1998–99, an NGO called Green Cross approached him. Since it was a charitable group working for nature, Dr Amonkar recalls that he would donate free medicines to support their cause. “They were into animal welfare and were doing commendable work. They would rescue animals and release them into dense forests once a week,” he shares.
While his medical practice continued to grow and the number of patients increased, Dr Amonkar felt a calling toward wildlife conservation. By the late 1990’s, around mid-1999, he organised treks every Sunday. “With Green Cross, I reached unimaginable places. As I joined them, I felt so drawn to wildlife that I knew I had to start something on my own on a larger scale. That’s when we formed Wild Trek Adventures in 1999 and began taking wildlife enthusiasts on treks every Sunday without fail. Whether in the sun, or rain, we are forest lovers and have never skipped a Sunday trek,” he says.
According to Dr Amonkar, during those days, only a few trekking groups existed in Goa. Additionally, the State was primarily promoted for its beaches and the Dudhsagar waterfall. “These small trekking and hiking groups would take people only to fixed locations. However, through my research and inquiries, we explored the interiors of Goa and undertook many challenging treks. I have a great interest in traveling and learning, so we travelled extensively on Sundays, discovering about 50 different waterfalls in Goa, each of varying magnitudes,” he says.
Dr Amonkar expresses disappointment with the authorities. “The State government has never promoted quality tourism; it’s all about pocketing funds. The Goa Tourism Department contacted me, assuring me that they would compile all these 50 waterfalls into a book to help promote them. However, to this day, the book has not seen the light of day. The same department took me on board to organise treks for them but did not pay me for two-and-a-half years. Eventually, I halted my association with Goa Tourism when I realised the government was not serious about promoting tourism—it was all about siphoning funds,” he claims.
Dr Amonkar runs his clinic throughout the week and ventures into the wild on Sundays. His dedication to his patients remains unwavering, as he is available for consultations even after his Sunday treks.
Over the last 25 years, Wild Trek Adventures has conducted extensive treks within Goa, across India, and even abroad. Dr Amonkar and his team toured Bhutan for eight consecutive years with wildlife enthusiasts. “We have had mountain trips, outstation trips, overnight trips, and weekend trips,” he says.
He has also conducted talks and treks for children, debunking many myths about wildlife. “The specialty of our treks is that they are truly challenging. We mean business—this is not just time-pass or entertainment. I conduct thorough research, explore the deepest parts of forests, and select routes so unique that even if a trekker wants to return on their own, they cannot easily find their way. This ensures that forests remain preserved, and cleanliness is maintained at all costs. Additionally, we respect the peace and privacy of those living in the dense forests. When we visit, we support them by purchasing whatever they offer for sale or by having them cook for us. This is the richness of our forests, and it must be sustained,” he explains.
‘In 20 years, Goa may not have any forests left’
Dr Amonkar expresses disappointment with the general attitude toward nature in Goa. “Today, trekking is flourishing, but mostly because of Neo-Goans who want to learn. Very few native Goans are serious about understanding our biodiversity. Most Goans prefer to laze around on a Sunday, visit a casino, or attend a party. We have closed our minds to further learning. We must also become more cleanliness-conscious. People visit forests, and litter the place with garbage—this must stop. We must learn to keep the animals’ world clean, and we should not disturb or pollute their surroundings,” he emphasises.
He believes that trekking in Goa has no future in the next 20 years. “We are now traveling mostly to the border areas outside Goa because there is much more to learn there. Goa’s forests are being destroyed bit by bit. I seriously believe that in 20 years, there will be no forests left in Goa, and consequently, no wildlife either. Even forest officials are indifferent and lack basic knowledge of forestry. They are only concerned about collecting entry fees. Many times, they harass trekkers as if to send a message that we are not welcome,” he laments.
