Visitors accused of drinking, littering, and unsafe behaviour
Rising visitors at Valvanti riverbank, Morlem, for picnics and bathing have triggered resentment among locals due to unruly behaviour.
VALPOI
The number of visitors at the Valvanti riverbank at Morlem in Sattari for picnics and bathing is increasing by the day, but their unruly behaviour has led to growing resentment among the community.
At spots such as Ubho Guno, Madhle Talap, and Karkar, large groups of visitors gather to bathe, consume alcohol, create nuisance, and litter the area with plastic and other waste. These incidents have become more frequent, causing anger among locals.
Although local youth have tried to stop visitors from entering these areas, their efforts have not yielded the desired results. As a result, there is a strong demand to impose a complete ban on bathing by outsiders at these locations.
The Morlem Panchayat has installed signboards along the riverbank and main road indicating a ban on bathing. Despite this, visitors continue to ignore the warnings, further aggravating local dissatisfaction.
When contacted, Morlem Sarpanch Amit Shirodkar said, “The panchayat has imposed a ban on bathing at the Valvanti riverbank. People have been asked not to visit the area for bathing and to avoid any unruly behaviour. Strict action will be taken against those found violating the rules.”
The riverbanks at Valvanti are consider dangerous for bathing. Last year, two persons drowned at Ubho Guno and Karkar. Many visitors, often under the influence of alcohol, enter deep waters without realising the risk, leading to mishaps.
Visitors bring food items, picnic materials, and liquor bottles, and often leave behind garbage on the riverbank. Incidents of breaking glass bottles and even burning waste have also been reported, posing serious hazards and increasing pollution in the area.
