Being the first Sunday after the water started pouring in full flow at Bamonbudo waterfall it became taxing for the eight policeman posted to make this site free of alcohol with over 200 picnickers descending to enjoy and make merry.
As reported earlier in Herald of complaints by the locals staying around the Bamonbudo waterfall over passing lewd comments by the picnickers after getting high on alcohol, the Canacona police in a serious action over instructions from DIG for making the area near the waterfall a no alcohol and no plastic zone posted 2 policemen at the Bamonbudo, 2 at the Ambeaghat gate and 4 at Bupra junction to check all vehicles proceeding to the waterfall.
The merrymakers, most of who had come from outside Canacona, were caught unaware of the latest development when they were halted at the nakhabandi at both the entry points and their vehicles thoroughly checked for any bottles of booze and pet bottles of soft drinks. This move is aimed at reducing the garbage and incidents of infighting between various groups and harassment to the local women over passing of obscene language and acts under the influence of alcohol.
Since it was a Sunday over 200 picnickers, some from Margao and Vasco were disappointed as they were not able to enter the waterfall as it was overly crowded. This waterfall being small in size at the base cannot accommodate more than 15 persons at a time.
Disappointed Venancia Rodrigues, who had come along with her group, said, “We have come from Margao after reading about this waterfall from a news report on Herald last week and had come with great expectation of having a great time here, but when we neared the waterfall we were told about the ban on plastic and alcoholic drinks. It’s a good move but if the authorities provide garbage bins, the garbage issue can be take care of,” she said.
Suresh Faldesai, who stays a little away from the site, welcomed this move by the Canacona police.
“This will keep unwanted trouble makers away from our otherwise peaceful village.”
Some of the merrymakers waiting for hours for their turn to enter in the waterfall even suggested an hourly fee to be levied by the Gaondogrem panchayat in whose jurisdiction this beautiful place is located. They felt the panchayat will also get revenue to the village.
