The water-human connection is divine and this is one reason that makes us seek the freshness of springs deep inside the forests. And what better season than the monsoon to experience this bounty of nature that comes alive in full bloom?
In the rainy season, Goa's forest waterfalls beckon, their magic hard to resist. However, the beauty of many of these falls is marred by garbage of all kinds, a sign of human apathy and scant respect for nature.
Every monsoon season, people who claim to be nature lovers sadly leave behind their bad footprints at these falls, knowing very well the damage they inflict. And, for many years now, some of the more frequented waterfalls have been bearing the brunt of unruly picnickers and irresponsible trekkers.
While the Goa government is now allowing people at 17 low-risk waterfalls, there is no sign of a fool-proof waste management plan to keep in check the garbage strewn around at these falls. And, all this in the name of tourism!
Eight of these waterfalls lie inside the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, four in Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, three in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and two in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Looking at the track record of local authorities in tackling roadside littering, raises doubts about their ability to handle the specific challenges of waste at these waterfalls inside the forested areas. Even with a strong plan to stop littering, if there is no strong enforcement of anti-littering laws, then things will not work.
Looking at the track record of local authorities in tackling roadside littering, raises doubts about their ability to handle the specific challenges of waste at these waterfalls inside the forested areas.
One classic example is the popular Tonir waterfall in Sattari, which is a testament to human apathy and carelessness. Every year it gets more popular, not for its cascades, but for the tonnes of waste lifted by the local youth, who take trekking groups to the waterfall.
Their umpteen requests to not leave garbage behind have attracted the ire of visitors and with no cooperation from the village panchayat, there is nothing this well-meaning youth with concern for their surroundings can do.
Every year Tonir waterfall gets more popular, not for its cascades, but for the tonnes of waste lifted by the local youth, who take trekking groups to the waterfall.
The picturesque Tonir waterfall is also fraught with dangers for those who can't fathom the depths of the water. Last year, two youths from Vasco met a watery grave at this waterfall because they took things for granted.
Last year, the Sattari-based Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade collected 40 bags of trash at Mhovacho Guno in Caranzol-Sonal in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The trash is proof that the local authorities never had any garbage management plan in place in the area.
While the government makes tall claims about waste management, its plans remain more theoretical and lack the will or teeth for implementation. Thanks to the many nature lovers and NGOs who pick up plastic and other kinds of litter from these waterfalls, Goa owes a huge debt of gratitude to them.
If the Goa Forest Department has any waste management plan worth its salt, then the same should be made public. Neither does it have such a plan, nor enough forest guards to implement the rule of law at the waterfalls.
If the Goa Forest Department has any waste management plan worth its salt, then the same should be made public.
Also, those opposing the government's move to ban people at some of the waterfalls, besides the low-risk ones, are only concerned about their livelihood and not the damage caused to nature by visitors. Little do they realise a damaged environment will eventually hurt their livelihood in the long run.
If we are justified in acknowledging livelihoods, then it is high time we also talk about shared responsibility towards our nature hotspots. In the name of business, the local stakeholders will pay a high price for allowing tourists to have their way.
The degradation of these accessible waterfalls will turn away tourists. It is high time local stakeholders start promoting practices that benefit both the environment and them. The government, too, should support locals in responsible waste management and not resort to mere rhetoric.
Before allowing visitors to enjoy the majestic beauty of these waterfalls, the government could curate eco-tourism packages that highlight responsible practices and support local communities.
What we see now is a battle between livelihoods and nature, when it should actually be about finding ways for both to flourish. If these two can find a middle path Goa's waterfalls will become a source of pride for all