Team Herald
PONDA: Expressing fear that the proposed double tracking of South Western Railway (SWR) passing through wildlife Sanctuary will destroy natural beauty of Dudhsagar Falls, Collem locals on Monday said the project will affect tourism and livelihood of around 25,000 Goan families and jeep operators.
Collem sarpanch Ganagaram (Mani) Lambore said, “We have no idea about the proposed double tracking of SWR, but following the news of the project, there is panic among locals who now fear that they will lose their livelihood. Villagers from Collem and Mollem want to save Dudhsagar Falls. Secondly, until the government shows them proposed plan of the railway over bridge they are strongly opposed to the double tracking at Collem.”
He said, “The locals fear that due to the double tracking proposal the existing railway bridge will need additional construction for widening for which the Dudhsagar Falls will be dug to lay the foundation for another bridge parallel to existing one and on account of this the Dudhsagar Falls will lose its attraction among tourists. If this happens why will tourists visit Goa and Collem.”
He said, “It will not only affect the livelihood of villagers and 400 jeep operators, but will badly hit State tourism and have direct effect on living of around 25,000 Goan families.
He said, “Lakhs of tourists visit Dudhsagar Falls each year during the tourism season. Around 400 local jeep operators ferry them to the waterfall besides locals earning their livelihood through several businesses. Most tourists visiting Goa to catch a glimpse of the waterfall come from hotels in Calangute, Benaulim etc. Not only hotel owners but taxi operators from North and South also earn their livelihood by ferrying these tourists to Collem and thus the livelihood of around 25,000 Goan families is dependent on Dudhsagar Falls.”
The sarpanch said, “Locals are not against developmental projects, but want to protect Dudhsagar and the livelihood of Goans.
