PONDA: The tourism season commenced at Dudhsagar waterfall after a delay of 10 days. The Forest Department opened the gates to make the journey to the waterfall.
The season was to commence on October 2, but due to heavy rain it was delayed and started from Thursday. Several tourists were at Collem to enjoy adventurous journey to scenic Dudhsagar waterfall which is located in the forest in the wild life sanctuary at Collem. The location is a world famous destination of tourist.
Addressing the gathering, GTDC Chairman and MLA Ganesh Gaonkar emphasized that all jeep operators attached to Dudhsagar Tour Operators Association at Collem transporting visitors to the waterfall should ensure discipline and well-being of every tourist during their visits to the waterfall.
“I urge all jeep operators transporting visitors to the waterfall should ensure discipline and well-being of every tourist during their visits to the waterfall,” said.
He further said that daily trips are expected to increase to 225 within the next couple of days as tourists are likely to throng the spot. President of jeep operators association Ashok Khandeparkar, forest department officials and local panchayat members, the local sarpanch were present.
Around 240 jeeps move to the waterfall on a daily basis with seven tourists each. There are a total of 431 registered four wheel drives and 240 operate daily on rotation basis giving livelihood to jeep operators. The Forest Department and Collem Panchayat too earn revenue through fees. Local businessmen, hoteliers to depend on revenue from tourists. Jeep operators transport tourists each day to magnificent waterfalls that cascade from mountains up to a height of 1,000 feet.
