Promote eco tourism with proper safeguards, say greens(ToI)

Promote eco tourism with proper safeguards, say greens Paul Fernandes, TNN | Jul 13, 2013, 12.36 PM IST PANAJI: The government authorities have finally decided to clamp down on rowdy picknickers at Chorla ghats, but environmentalists feel this is just the tip of the iceberg as several eco fragile places frequented by weekend visitors are also in peril. The tourists from neighbouring states and picknickers from the state flock to the scenic locations, such as water falls and vantage hillside spots on the state border in the Sahyadris on Saturdays and Sundays and create havoc, leaving behind a trail of plastic and other waste. The authorities appear to have been provoked to act, mainly because the devastation at Chorla was extreme and traffic on Goa-Belgaum highway was being blocked, as drunken picknickers bathed and dance in the nude near the roadside waterfalls. "The area near Dudhsagar waterfall also faces environmental damage due to the fact that large number of tourists and local people visit the spot, leaving behind lot of plastic, which is not cleared," an activist said. Activists have urged the government to promote eco tourism only after putting safeguards in place and prevent damage to the eco fragile environment of these areas. "The local panchayats should be asked to cooperate and enforce some discipline through police and other authorities," the environmentalist said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Promote-eco-tourism-with-proper-safeguards-say-greens/articleshow/21052325.cms