PONDA: Tourist guides at Collem are facing distress and uncertainty due to the ban imposed on visiting the iconic Dudhsagar Falls. With their primary source of income cut off, around 100 local tourist guides find themselves without employment and struggling to support their families, especially with the approaching festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali.
The ban, implemented by the Forest Department over safety concerns, has severely impacted the livelihood of the guides, who have been leading treks to Dudhsagar Falls with prescribed safety measures and permissions from the authorities.
Traditionally, trekking to Dudhsagar Falls would begin on June 10 and continue throughout the monsoon season, providing steady income to the guides. However, for the first time in 15 years, the trekking activity has been disallowed, leaving them without a source of livelihood for nearly 40 days.
The ban not only affects the tourist guides but also negatively impacts the local businesses at Collem, which rely on tourism for sustenance. The guides insist that trekking can be conducted safely with the necessary precautions in place, including providing life- jackets to tourists.
Additionally, unaware of the ban, several tourists continue to arrive at Collem, only to be forced to return due to the restrictions. Environmental enthusiasts are also eagerly waiting the reopening of Dudhsagar Falls for trekking, hoping that the ban will be lifted soon.
In the meantime, unauthorised entry by tourists at Dudhsagar railway bridge has been curtailed by vigilant Railway guards, who are ensuring the area remains orderly and safe.
The official tourist season at Dudhsagar Falls typically spans from October 1 to the end of May, operating through forest routes with jeep operators ferrying tourists to the foothills. During the monsoon, jeeps are not allowed as the Dudhsagar River floods. However, trekking was previously permitted with the Forest Department’s permission and the guidance of authorised tourist guides at Collem.
Forest officials have cited drowning cases in Goa and the flooded river as reasons for the current ban on trekking. A recent inspection of the Dudhsagar Falls site by a team of Forest officials, Deputy Collector, and Railway officials aimed to implement safety measures, including installing safety signboards at Dudhsagar bridge.
When questioned about the situation, Dharbandora Deputy Collector Nilesh Diagodkar explained that the ban on trekking was imposed for safety reasons, and no decision has been made yet regarding the reopening of the waterfall for monsoon trekking.
