In the last few years, the rivers of Sattari – Ragada, Madei, Velus and Valvanti – have become unsafe. While visiting those places for picnics, more than 13 tourists have lost their lives so far. Goans prefer to dip themselves in sweet water as they are fed up with polluted and crowded beaches.
Sattari, a small hamlet of Goa surrounded by the Western Ghats and Mhadei’s wild life, has natural beauty that attracts more and more tourists by the day. They especially love bathing in the rivers.
It is widely known that the tourists who drowned were under the influence of alcohol. Riverside picnic spots in Sattari are isolated and far from the public. Once the tourists drink alcohol, they venture into deeper waters for fun. Due to lack of safety measures, their adventures often result in death.
The famous spots in Sattari are ‘Mhovacho Guno’, ‘Bhirond, Father Farm’ at Mhadei River, ‘Velus Wada’, ‘Massorde Devane’, ‘Navodaya Valpoi’ in Velus River, and ‘Parye Bandjhara’ junction and the Keri support dam in Valvanti River.
The villagers stated that the drownings spoiled Sattari’s image and requested the government and local panchayats to look into the matter and help stop deaths due to drowning.
When asked about keeping a vigil at danger spots, PI of Valpoi Police Station Sanjay Dalvi stated that although the police were doing their best to keep watch on certain spots, it was not possible to patrol for the entire day. He said it was also the responsibility of the locals to monitor such places.
Social worker and youth leader Prashant Dessai said that Sattari should come out as an eco-tourism destination in the future, which would boost the development in rural villages. But, it should also protect the environment and maintain cleanliness in picnic areas. For the last two years, it was observed that tourists pollute these picnic areas by dumping plastic, beer bottles, etc. The scenic land was turning into a garbage hub.
He added that it was up to the Goa government to develop these places and provide safety to the picnickers.
