VALPOI
Excise Department has stepped up checks at Keri check post, following complaints that people were found drinking alcohol and causing nuisance at the many waterfalls in the Ghat area.
A strict investigation is being carried out at the check post of Valpoi Excise Office at Keri on Sunday after a complaint was lodged that alcohol is being consumed at the site of a waterfall in the Surla Ghat area on the pretext of going to Belgaum area. Staff at the check post were seen checking each vehicle.
During the rainy season, waterfalls are crowded with tourists. This year, however, due to the outbreak of Covid, the government has banned crowds at waterfalls.
In the Chorla Ghat area between Goa and Belgaum, there a large number of waterfalls in the hilly areas. The last two years have seen a large number of tourists flocking to these waterfalls, but due to the Covid outbreak, it is forbidden to go to these places.
However, since last week, there has been an increase in complaints that some tourists on the pretext of going to Belgaum have been frequenting to the waterfalls and have been consuming alcohol and creating nuisance.
Taking note of this, the officials of Valpoi Excise Office have tightened checks at Keri check post.
When contacted, Excise Inspector Hanumantrao Desai said that in the Chorla Ghat area, complaints have been lodged that a large number of tourists have been consuming alcohol at various waterfalls in the area. Due to this, a large scale investigation was carried out today. During the investigation, it was revealed that several vehicles were carrying alcohol illegally. Therefore, action has been taken against them and alcohol has been seized from several vehicles.
“At present, due to the Covid pandemic, a limited number of personnel have been appointed in Keri. After the outbreak, a special team will be deployed in the area,” said Desai.
