Team Herald
PONDA: Several videos of the cascading effect of the majestic Dudhsagar Falls by railway passengers have gone viral on social media, which have left many enchanted. However, the current curfew in the State has come as disappointment to local guides as their businesses have been affected by the COVID pandemic.
One of the local guides complained that the pandemic has affected the tourism activity at Dudhsagar Falls. Trekkers from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa as well are eagerly waiting for curfew to be relaxed in order to visit Dudhsagar to catch a glimpse of cascading effect during monsoon.
Some Collem locals, who earned their livelihood as guides by accompanying nature lovers on their trek to Dudhsagar said, “This world famous waterfall used to attract nature lovers and trekkers from Maharashtra and Karnataka in June and July. However, they are disappointed as they are not able to watch the Dudhsagar in all its glory due to the State-wide curfew.”
“We too have no source of livelihood and hope for COVID cases to reduce so that the government will allow trekking at Dudhsagar,” said a local guide.
Videos of Dudhsagar in all its glory recorded by South Western Railway passengers while crossing the bridge have gone viral on social media.
It is pertinent to note that there exist two routes to reach Dudhsagar one through the forest and the other via railway. Around 431 vehicle operators ferry visitors via the forest route between October and May to earn their livelihood.
During monsoon the 14-km long forest route remains closed as the river overflows.
