CANACONA: The Tribal Welfare Department (TWD) has decided to develop Kuskem ward in Cotigao, including the inaccessible waterfall, as a ‘model ward’ of the State.
According to Cotigao Sarpanch Meena Gaonkar, the TWD had initially adopted Kuskem ward with about 40 dwellings in Cotigao to develop as a model ward.
Confirming the move, Tribal Welfare Minister Ramesh Tawadkar informed that a few meetings have already been chaired by him with the locals and departments concerned.
“With the developments of farming and agriculture, the TWD will also finance development of Kuskem waterfall which has gained prominence with youngsters and trekkers for eco-tourism,” informed Tawadkar.
“As part of model ward, TWD will promote community agriculture and fencing of agricultural land from wild animals,” he said.
Religious places will be developed including the age-old Shri Mallikarjun Temple in the ward, which also has historical importance, as according to villagers, a freedom fighter Zilla Sawant Rane was shot by Portuguese rulers while he was reportedly hiding in the temple at Kuskem.
In a recent meeting with the locals, Tawadkar informed that cooperation of all the departments including forest, PWD (roads/water supply), water resources, etc, will be taken to develop Kuskem as model ward of the State. “Later, some more wards will also be taken on similar lines for developments.”
Sarpanch Meena Gaonkar informed that a proper footpath will be built to proceed to the Kuskem waterfall, besides the site will also be developed into a camping facility.
According to sources, cooperation of forest department is most essential as Kuskem ward is located in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tawadkar’s assurances of getting cooperation from the forest department also assumes significance, as digging of land for road, fencing, erection of poles and electricity, besides construction of bridges or foot bridges are literarily non-permissible under the prevalent forest laws.
“Given the widespread interest from all around, we have been constantly demanding the development of Kuskem waterfall, where a minimum of two footbridges besides digging of land to build a motorable road or proper pathway is needed to visit the waterfall,” former Cotigao sarpanch Rajesh Gaonkar said.
“But our efforts were always blocked by forest strictures. We welcome the latest moves,” he said.
Presently, people visiting Kuskem waterfall have to walk through thick and unsafe vegetations for about 30 minutes.
