Cascades have greatly improved the face of Sattari, more so in the monsoons. A large number of tourists flock to the taluka to enjoy these cascades, which also generate employment for villagers.
Sattari has a thick forest cover and houses tall mountains, which are in Vagheri, Morlem, and Vanadevi, among other places. Most of the taluka comes under the Western Ghats – a natural heritage site of Goa – and there have been efforts to preserve this natural beauty. For the last 10 years, the villagers have made efforts to ensure that the cascades maintain their beauty and continue to attract tourists.
Cascades can be found in the villages of Hivrem, Charavane, Pali, Shelpe, Keri, Surla, Morlem, and Saleli. Due to the good road conditions from Goa to Belgaum via Chorla in the last two years, people can enjoy the beauty of the cascades from beside the roads.
These cascades are usually most lively when the monsoons hit in June, and they remain that way until October. Nature lovers will flock to these sites during that period, especially on the weekends and other holidays.
Meanwhile, the increase in tourists has helped improve the self-employment scenario in these areas. As these cascades fall under the jurisdiction of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, revenue is also collected from the tourists to develop infrastructure, collect garbage, and maintain the cascade areas.
Even the villagers, including those from Thane and Nagargao, have contributed towards infrastructure development. Villagers from Charavane and Hivrem have even developed a proper path to the cascades. Earlier, it was very difficult to reach the cascades due to unsecured routes.
Most of the cascades are located on the mountains, and due to lack of a path in some areas, tourists could not reach the site and had to be content with watching the cascades from afar. Now, thanks to the villagers’ contributions, the tourists can enjoy the cascades up close.
Some years ago, tourists would spoil the cascade area, but thanks to activists, the environment is being preserved. Alcohol consumption in these areas is also under control as the authorities initiate action against alcohol consumers.
However, some areas certainly need development to attract more tourists in the monsoons. Some cascade areas do not have proper access routes and changing rooms, which will make tourists more comfortable and increase their numbers. It will also have a positive impact on the villages. Locals added that the authorities could easily provide these basic facilities with support from the government.
“We have tried our best to provide facilities for the tourists who visit these areas, like proper routes. More facilities are required as per my observation. Also, polythene bags and alcohol have been banned in the forest area and action will be initiated against violators,” said Paresh Porob, Range Forest Officer of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Shreya Gaonkar, sarpanch of Thane-Dongurle, requested the authorities to allot special funds to develop these cascade areas. She said, “There is tremendous scope to develop many villages. We have contributed as far as possible to render some services in Charavane and Hivrem.”
PI Deepak Pednekar stated, “I have been appointed as the in-charge of the Valpoi police station. It is heard that some two-wheeler riders are playing mischief in these areas in the rainy season. But this year, strict action will be taken against them.”
Speaking about the issue of alcohol consumption, Valpoi Excise Inspector Ashok Gaonkar expressed confidence that they would manage to control the menace. He said, “Last year, we had succeeded in controlling alcohol consumption, especially in the Chorla Ghat area. This year we have also planned to take the same action like in the last year.”
