Team Herald
PANJIM: As tourist places are getting littered with liquor bottles and plastic waste during the monsoon, Forest Department has declared forest areas, sanctuaries, national parks and other touristic spots like waterfalls as ‘No Plastic’ and ‘No Alcohol’ zones.
“The South West monsoon season witnesses an increase in footfalls to forest areas every year. Visitors undertake forest treks in the monsoon besides visiting the numerous waterfalls that spring to life in this season,” the guidelines issued by the Department state.
“The forest areas, sanctuaries and National Parks are deemed as ‘No Plastic’ and ‘No Alcohol’ zones, thereby strictly prohibiting carrying and consumption of alcoholic drinks on the trekking routes and/or approach routes to the waterfalls,” it added.
Most of the treks and waterfalls are located in wildlife protected areas like Mhadei, Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Department said that entry inside the forest areas to anyone found violating the guidelines would be denied. “All visitors are expected not to litter the forest area or the waterfalls sites with leftover eatables, wrappers, empty containers and the like,” it said.
Stating that bathing or frolicking in waterfalls may be risky, the department has asked visitors to observe all precautions and pay special attention to children.
The department has banned movement of visitors to waterfalls through forest area using two or four wheelers. It will be strictly on foot.
