the goan I network
CANACONA
Come monsoons and the season waterfalls in Canacona spring to life, drawing visitors from far and wide. One such site is the Bhupra waterfall in Gaondongrim, which was discovered a year ago and is now a popular destination for visitors.
But not all locals are pleased about the rush of visitors and many have begun complaining about large amounts of trash strewn in the area and many unruly visitors who cause a nuisance. “It’s not only the litter strewn in the area, but we are also concerned about youths who consume liquor, gutka packs and behave in an unruly manner, causing a nuisance to nearby residents. We want the police to patrol the area during this time of the year,” said a resident.
“The Bhupra waterfall was previously known only to locals in the area till recent times, until this hidden spot became a tourist destination and attracted a large number of visitors. The increase in tourist numbers at the site has encouraged stalls providing snacks, soft drinks and even alcohol, but there has been no provision to collect garbage near the waterfalls,” the local added.
Responding to the concerns raised, Dennis Fernandes, a visitor to the site said: “Unless strict restrictions by police teams are enforced on people visiting the waterfall and alcohol consumption in the area is prohibited, locals have every reason to be concerned since litter and nuisance will be a common phenomenon. We hope government officials take necessary action to prevent this nuisance at the waterfall and help protect this beautiful spot from getting destroyed,” said Fernandes, adding that he had witnessed some of the nuisance at the Bhupra waterfall.
While demanding police presence at the site, they have also requested forest officials to keep a check on a huge tree at the edge of the waterfall, since many visitors have begun climbing the tree.
