the goan I network
VALPOI
Acting on a decision to ban alcohol consumption at waterfalls in Sattari taluka, authorities on Saturday began a drive to check vehicles for alcohol bottles at different sites across the taluka.
Sources said vehicles were checked at Charavane, Hivre, Nagargao, Shelpe and Pali, as well as along the Keri-Belgaum road at the Chorla Ghat. Inspections of vehicles were conducted throughout the day by the police teams, excise officials and Mhadei Sanctuary workers.
According to sources, a few liquor bottles were seized from vehicles, but authorities expect the seizure to be higher when a larger number of people visit the waterfalls in Sattari taluka on Sunday.
The many seasonal waterfalls have attracted a large number of visitors, especially on weekends and holidays, but locals have complained that unruly visitors under the influence of alcohol have caused a nuisance in the past, while also discarding garbage at the sites. “Police teams, excise officers and Mhadei Sanctuary workers were deployed along different routes since 7 am,” said a source.
When contacted, Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaingankar said the drive was undertaken following instructions by authorities to ensure law and order around the waterfalls.
“Police teams were deployed at different sites, but no untoward incident was reported. The drive will continue from Sunday onwards and vehicles will be inspected at different places,” said PI Vaingankar.
