Weekend Musings
After a hectic week, most people in Goa would love to relax on weekends. After the beach locations, now the hinterland’s exotic nooks and crannies ~ waterfalls, lakes and springs are now under siege for weekend getaways.
Minimal infrastructure and accommodation needs to be created in these locations, however, to preserve their fragility and prevent pollution. A provisions area, restaurants serving local cuisine, locally grown products, fruits and juices, should be promoted and the sale of multinational drinks bottled in non-biodegradable containers and/or packaged chips should be proactively discouraged ~ not “banned”, mind you, which is only the reaction of the insecure and/or inept ~ in
the area.
It is an irony that locals and tourists go to such remote if rejuvenating destinations to de-stress, but create a heavy burden on the environment in the process. The Western Ghats range, which covers 600 sq kms in Goa, is one of the most fascinating biodiversity hotspot in the world with its marvelous wildlife, butterflies, birds, insects and plant species.
Every monsoon, the Chorla Ghat range, for instance, springs forth with 25 to 30 waterfalls such as the ones at Chorvanem and Vagheri among others. Undan dongor, at Caranzol, Sattari, the commonly known and more frequented Dudhsagar Falls and its myriad streams, rivers in Valpoi; Morle Gad, in Sanquelim, peaks and water falls in Quepem, Bamumbuddo falls in Gaondongrim and the Cotigao wild life sanctuary; and the wilderness of Bondla ~ all are being frequented by hoards of locals and tourists who pride themselves on their newfound prosperity and mobility but have embarrassingly poor
civic sense.
Any sensitive observer would be reduced to tears at the wanton pollution of the environment by picnickers at Chorla Ghat and for that matter to other hinterland and beach locations as well. The shameful disposal of plastic carry bags, tetra packs, foil packs and aerated drink bottles are enough to choke the falls and the surroundings for decades. Thankfully, some locals and the government have pitched in to regulate the carrying of bottles and other plastic waste to the sites nearer to the falls.
The Dudhsagar Falls, right from the train track to the streams which pass through thick wooded forests, are wantonly polluted by picnickers. Loud bouts of drunken singing usually end up in smashing of beer and liquor bottles in the stream in summer. Often, while other picnickers themselves get bruised or cut by the shards, it is nature that suffers
permanent scars.
The State government should regulate these picnic spots and impose fines or prevent the carrying of plastics, and glass bottles. Panchayats can appoint wardens to prevent people from littering. But it is the picnickers themselves who should be sensitized to prevent the flagrant assault on nature. Some sensitive picnickers not only carry their garbage back home, but collect the garbage left behind by others. That is the way to enjoy your weekend without destroying future weekends for the coming generations.
Therefore, there is a need for a concerted all round effort from government, tourists and locals. Government can regulate jeep rides through the rivers and urge people to walk the distances, for health and environment benefits. Washing of vehicles in rivers should be completely prohibited. But it is an eco-friendly, low cost garbage management system which is most crucial to the survival of these spots.
Village panchayats should be provided with resources and personnel to educate picnickers and to fine them if needed. Caution boards should be erected. The expenditure for this activity has to be offset from Parking Fees imposed at every picnic spot. Goa is perhaps the only place where “free tourism” thrives with no levies for parking or entry. These fees should fund clearing of waste, developing drinking water facilities, toilets, and changing rooms. The panchayats should lease private land to create parking, which is anyway used for
free parking.
Goa has not only to ensure a progressive and forward looking tourism strategy compared to its stone-age muddling along but stem the irreparable damage to the environment and ensure inter-generational equity, leaving future generation to enjoy our magnificent natural heritage.
