Picnickers leave waste at eco-fragile spots (ToI)

Picnickers leave waste at eco-fragile spots Paul Fernandes, TNN | Aug 19, 2013, 05.34 AM IST PANAJI: Rowdy groups of picnickers flocking to lush waterfalls and scenic spots in Goa for weekend splurges are raising a concern as they leave behind destructive footprints in the eco-fragile hinterland. Once Dudhsagar and Arvalem were the two popular waterfalls, but greater mobility due to the economic upswing and a craze to soak in the misty ambience has exposed the myriad waterfalls in the Sahyadri range and foothills to the threat of the spreading trash culture, sources said. "It is really frightening to see the apathy of picnickers towards our forests. Every forest and waterfall is now being trashed with garbage, broken bottles and litter, and it is flowing down into our rivers, contaminating ground water, choking streams and a zillion creatures unknown to us," says herpetologist Nirmal Kulkarni. The picnickers' sheer carelessness towards habitats in their obsession to make their weekend visits memorable is causing worry to ecologists. The damage trail keeps growing, as the footfalls to these idyllic spots keeps increasing every year. "An irreversible damage is being caused to Chorla ghat, Amboli ghat, Netravali, Maina Pi waterfalls and a lot of other once-pristine areas that were a haven for wildlife just three to four years ago," Kulkarni said. The Chorla ghat area itself is known to have more than 35 waterfalls. Two recent clean-up drives in the Chorla ghat were eye-openers. The volunteers of the Keri-based Vivekanand Environment Brigade (VEB) in association with Yuva Kumbhar Manch and college units from Poriem and Sankhali filled up 400 bags of trash in the 16.5-km ghat stretch. "After sorting the waste, we found 4,000 glass liquor bottles and some more broken ones," a VEB source said. The scenic spots turn ugly after the weekend visits of rampaging visitors, who bring food and drinks and leave behind a revolting carpet of litter. "Treks organized by groups and word of mouth publicity have made these spots popular," a trekker said. As eco tourism is interlinked to responsible travel to natural areas, conservation of environment and improving the local people's welfare, holistic involvement of stakeholders is considered crucial. "The people enjoying a natural waterfall is great and one of the highlights of monsoon tourism, but we must as guests, treat the place with respect," travel and tourism association of Goa spokesperson Ralph D'Souza said. The development, positioning and promotion of eco tourism hotspots, such as waterfalls, streams and deep forests needs to be done carefully. "These are niche eco systems in their own right and very sensitive in nature," Kulkarni said. The forest department has initiated a few steps to control the rampaging picnickers after forest minister Alina Saldanha visited the areas. "At the Paikacho Sado in Surla on Goa's border, we have erected a gate and visitors are charged entry. They have to park their vehicles some distance away and liquor is not allowed," a forest department official said. The forest department is keeping track of visitors to the 29 cascades along the Goa-Belgaum highway in Chorla ghat. "The excise department carries out a search for liquor. Now, more families are visiting the place," the official said. A few groups and panchayat bodies have also realized the threat of pollution to their natural assets. Tourists visiting waterfalls in Savoi Verem in Ponda taluka, Ambeghat in Canacona cannot indulge in revelry as in the past. "Liquor and non vegetarian food is not allowed," a source said. Trekkers are also taking some precautions. "We advise our fellow trekkers to pack their plastic waste and also whatever is found in the place," trekker Olympio Almeida said. The waste is carted to Panaji and entrusted to the collection centre near the bridge. "The government needs to look at the long-term impact on our ecology and create awareness among all sections before it is too late," an environmentalist concluded. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Picnickers-leave-waste-at-eco-fragile-spots/articleshow/21907249.cms