PONDA: While Dudhsagar waterfall continues to attract more and more tourists by the day, the forest department has not yet removed the restriction on the number of jeeps that ferry tourists from Collem bazaar to the waterfall.
Many disappointed visitors have had to leave without visiting the falls due to lack of vehicles; they often usually gather at the gate at Collem bazaar and create a ruckus and argue with police and forest officials. They have also demanded an increase in the number of jeeps.
Local Datta Naik stated that there are 400 jeep operators, but only 225, each with a seating capacity of seven passengers, are permitted to ferry tourists. Each trip costs around Rs 2,400. He said that many locals depend on Dudhsagar waterfall for their livelihood and requested the government to start trips to Dudshagar in the monsson. Jeeps presently do not ply during the rains due to flooding of the Dudhsagar river.
There are two routes to the waterfall: one is a rough 15-kilometre forest road that the jeeps use to ferry tourists, the other is the railway track, which has now been banned by the railway department.
Naik stated that Collem bazaar, which wore an isolated look during the off-season, has been crowded since the tourist season started. He stated that over 2,000 tourists have visited the area so far. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has also helped draw a large number of domestic tourists to the State and to Dudhsagar waterfall.
