PANAJI
The Goa government has revised a recent order by allowing visits to 14 low-risk waterfalls situated within wildlife sanctuaries in the State, a development that is sure to delight tourists flocking to waterfalls during the monsoon season.
The Office of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has permitted visits to these waterfalls in Sattari, Collem, Netravali and Cotigao. “These waterfalls are open to the public with immediate effect. Visitors will have to buy tickets at designated entry points. All visitors are required to follow prescribed rules and regulations of the forest department for their own safety and also to avoid any disturbance to wildlife,” the order said.
The previous order, which prohibited entry to waterfalls located within wildlife sanctuaries, caused quite a stir among the public, particularly when hundreds of Karnataka and Maharashtra rail passengers found themselves unexpectedly stranded on railway tracks when the Railway Protection Force refused their entry to Dudhsagar waterfalls last weekend.
The order also raised concerns among stakeholders, who feared that it could discourage tourists from visiting Goa in the rains. The ban by Forest Department was implemented after two unfortunate drowning incidents at the Mainapi waterfall.
On Tuesday, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte acknowledged the importance of respecting the restrictions and stated that he will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister to find a solution. “Tourists should respect the ban. If something happens, then tourism dept is blamed,” he said, hours before the revised order.
Meanwhile, Karnataka also implemented precautionary measures by imposing a ban on tourist entry to waterfall sites in the Khanapur taluka of Belagavi district.
