Not just beaches, Surla can hurt too -ToI

Not just beaches, Surla can hurt too Rajendra P Kerkar, TNN | Apr 29, 2013, 03.01 AM IST KERI: Surla, a village situated 800m above sea level in the Western Ghat areas of Sattari, has eight liquor licences with a population of 428, which has caused a law and order situation as the village is flooded with people consuming liquor. Surla with 1,478.77 hectares of area is a well-known destination for tourists coming from Goa and border areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka as the village has a cool and soothing climatic condition. Tourists visit this area like a hill station. During monsoon, the number of tourists are large since it has about 10 seasonal waterfalls, sacred groves known as 'Devachi rai' and plateaus that offer a panoramic view of the lush green Mhadei valley and a bird's eye view of the Goan landscape. Over the last decade, tourists have been visiting Surla and every year, the number is increasing even though the village does not have any infrastructure. Surla is situated on the border areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra. In order to cater to needs of tourists, presently some locals have availed liquor licences. Hanumantrao Desai, excise inspector of Sattari, speaking to TOI, said, "There are 224 liquor licences in Sattari but as per population, Surla has more liquor licenses. There are six bars and liquor shops in Surla." Santosh Babu Gaonkar, member of Dongurlim-Thane village panchayat said, "Mostly, on holidays our village is full with tourists from Belgaum area, who mainly visit Surla to consume liquor. Our village has 'Paikacho Sado' that offers an excellent view of 'Ladkecho Vazar' and the forested valley. But, today, this laterite plateau is full with broken pieces of glass bottles. It has become difficult to walk on the plateau." Panchayat secretary Deu Mainkar said, "Presently, there is no proposal with the panchayat to issue a no objection certificate for opening of new liquor shops." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Not-just-beaches-Surla-can-hurt-too/articleshow/19773870.cms