PONDA: Principle Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Richard D’Souza on Tuesday stated that the forest department had allowed 235 jeeps to transport tourists to the famed Dudhsagar waterfalls, adding that a further increase in number of jeeps could not be permitted.
He was speaking to reports after inaugurating the watchtower at Dudhsagar waterfalls in the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park at Collem, to enable tourists enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dudhsagar waterfalls. The watchtower has been constructed near the parking place allotted to jeeps carrying tourists to the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
On the occasion, two toilets and a patrolling tower were also inaugurated at the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Others present at the function included Deputy Conservator of Forest Anil Kumar, Sanjay Vardhalkar, Aniketh Gaonkar, Diksita Sharma, Kuldeep Sharma and Loreso Dias.
Speaking on the occasion, Richard Dsouza, said that the watchtower has been constructed mainly for the benefit of tourists visiting the Dudhsagar waterfalls.
“As present, 225 jeeps, each carrying six passengers, are allowed to visit the Dudhsagar waterfalls. Given the heavy rush of tourists, the forest department has increased the number of jeeps from 225 to 235,” he added.
When asked why the Forest department had issued permits to about 400 jeeps, when only 235 jeeps are allowed to proceed to the Dudhsagar waterfalls each day, D’Souza replied, “The Forest department has to follow certain guidelines. Considering the infrastructure, we cannot permit more jeeps as it could have adverse impact on the environment. Though there are about 400 jeeps that have been given the licence to operate, we cannot allow all of them to operate at the same time, but on rotation.”
“Since 235 jeeps are allowed to operate per day and each of them gets about 3-4 trips per week on a rotation basis, they would earn their livelihood as they charge Rs 2400 per trip. We cannot add more trips per day and we should not allow this lovely spot to be affected by permitting a rush of tourists at the site,” D’Souza added.
