VALPOI
Large quantities of plastic bottles, bags and other waste are being dumped along both sides of the road in the Chorla Ghat area between Goa and Belagavi, raising serious concerns over environmental degradation and the protection of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Poriem MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation Deviya Rane has expressed strong displeasure over indiscriminate dumping of waste by travellers and tourists and growing accumulation of garbage in the area.
While directing authorities to take immediate steps to clean the affected stretches, she also called for strict action against travellers and tourists who irresponsibly dump waste along the roadside and in the forest areas.
Rane had visited Surla, which falls within Poriem constituency, to attend a programme. While returning from the village through the Chorla Ghat route, she noticed large quantities of plastic waste dumped on both sides of the road.
She personally inspected the affected areas and expressed concern over the manner in which plastic bottles, food packets and other waste were being discarded by travellers.
The Goa-side portion of Chorla Ghat has been beautified by the Public Works Department at certain locations. Facilities have been created at these points where motorists and tourists can stop their vehicles and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding hills and the natural landscape.
As a result, these locations attract a large number of tourists from other states as well as local residents. However, the practice of throwing plastic bottles and other waste at the same locations is gradually destroying the beauty of the area and creating an unpleasant sight.
Rane said it was a matter of serious concern that garbage heaps were being created in an ecologically rich and scenic area at a time when the country is promoting the message of ‘Swachh Bharat’ and a clean India.
Speaking to journalists, she said Chorla Ghat is an important road connecting Goa and Karnataka.
“The Goa government has made arrangements at various points so that motorists and tourists travelling through the area, particularly during the monsoon, can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty,” said Rane.
“However, people using these facilities must also understand their responsibility towards protecting nature. Tourists and travellers should not throw waste on the roadside or into forest areas. They should carry their waste with them and dispose of it only at designated locations.”
Rane directed authorities to undertake immediate cleaning of the affected areas. She stressed that merely carrying out a one-time cleaning operation would not be sufficient and that permanent measures were required to prevent the problem from recurring.
Measures such as placing adequate waste bins at sensitive locations, ensuring regular cleaning, installing warning and awareness signboards and monitoring areas through CCTV or other suitable means should be considered. Rane also called for penalties against tourists and travellers found violating waste-disposal rules.
“Everyone who comes to enjoy the beauty of nature must also accept the responsibility of protecting it. Those who dump waste in environmentally sensitive areas such as Chorla Ghat should face action, and authorities must keep a continuous watch on the problem,” Rane said.
