05 Sep 2020  |   06:15am IST

Dudhsagar’s beauty will be destroyed if railway double tracking materialises: Locals

Dudhsagar’s beauty will be destroyed if railway double  tracking materialises: Locals

Team Herald

PONDA: The world knows Dudhsagar for its beauty, say Collem locals, who fear that the proposed railway double tracking project will destroy the same, if it becomes a reality. 

They say they will do what it takes to protect not only their village beauty but also their livelihood, which depends on tourism related activity. However, they clarified that they are not opposed to the project in general; but that until the railway double tracking plan is shown at Dudhsagar, they will oppose the project. 

Collem Sarpanch Mani Lambore said they submitted their demands to the Railway officials who had assured to show them the plan in 15 days. 

This was discussed at the media briefing addressed by the Collem locals, where they reiterated their intent to protect the tourist destination, ie Dudhsagar waterfall. 

“We are not opposed to the proposed double tracking plan of South Western Railway but want the beauty of Dudhsagar to be retained,” they said, while adding that they are waiting to see the presentation of the project.

To support the new railway line, they fear that a new bridge will be constructed, which would be parallel to the existing bridge.

They fear this will destroy the entire visual display of the waterfall, given the proximity of the new bridge to the waterfalls. To minimize the risk of water falling on the bridge, they fear a retaining wall will be built by the railway authorities, which would block the view of Dudhsagar. 

“If this happens, how will the tourists look at it and if they can’t watch the majestic waterfall, why then would they come to our village,” they added. 

The Collem Sarpanch added that they have been opposing the double railway track project for the last decade; and that they have also submitted their demands to Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar and local MLA and PWD Minister, Deepak Pauskar. 

IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar