Panaji: The move to allow locals and tourists to visit low-risk waterfalls is a welcome step that will not only boost hinterland tourism but also safeguard the income of the local communities, said the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG).
The TTAG also backed govt’s move to ban swimming in waterbodies and waterfalls. “Opening up of waterfalls, with due safety measures in place, will ensure that the income of the local communities is sustained,” said TTAG president Jack Sukhija, adding, “It will also allow locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of the forests.”
TTAG had approached tourism minister Rohan Khaunte and forests minister Vishwajit Rane, asking them to reconsider the forest department’s ban on access to rivers and waterfalls due to the onset of the monsoon.
“We are not saying swimming should be allowed at waterfalls, but treks to the waterfalls should be permissible. Trekking is a healthy activity, but definitely, no swimming should be allowed in rivers and waterbodies,” said Sukhija.
Forest guards, local guides and safety gear have also been made mandatory for groups heading to waterfalls.
The TTAG also backed govt’s move to ban swimming in waterbodies and waterfalls. “Opening up of waterfalls, with due safety measures in place, will ensure that the income of the local communities is sustained,” said TTAG president Jack Sukhija, adding, “It will also allow locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of the forests.”
TTAG had approached tourism minister Rohan Khaunte and forests minister Vishwajit Rane, asking them to reconsider the forest department’s ban on access to rivers and waterfalls due to the onset of the monsoon.
“We are not saying swimming should be allowed at waterfalls, but treks to the waterfalls should be permissible. Trekking is a healthy activity, but definitely, no swimming should be allowed in rivers and waterbodies,” said Sukhija.
Forest guards, local guides and safety gear have also been made mandatory for groups heading to waterfalls.
