CANACONA: Nestled amid lush forests, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, has long been a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. However, in recent times a troubling problem is plaguing this natural paradise -- uncollected garbage!
Despite collecting entrance fee from every visitor, the Forest Department officials have failed to set up a proper waste management system within the sanctuary to deal with the litter left behind by the visitors.
As a result of this failure, piles of litter is seen accumulating along its trails, tarnishing the pristine beauty.
Visitors, both local and foreign, who flock to experience the sanctuary's rich bio-diversity, are dismayed by the sight of plastic waste strewn across the landscape.
The very essence of the sanctuary's serenity is disrupted by the unsightly presence of discarded wrappers, bottles, and other debris.
One of the most affected areas is the popular treetop walk, a highlight for many visitors. Instead of being mesmerised with the wonders of nature, visitors are confronted with the sight of plastic litter at every turn, tarnishing the overall experience and leaving a lasting negative impression.
The consequences of this negligence extend beyond mere aesthetics lamented a British tourist Trotter Vincent. “The accumulated garbage poses a serious threat to the sanctuary's ecosystem during the monsoons as rainwater washes the litter into streams and rivers, eventually finding its way into the habitats of the sanctuary's diverse wildlife,” he said.
“Wild animals, in search of food, may ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for edible items which can lead to serious health complications and even death among wildlife,” said Jagdish Velip, a local tourist guide.
Additionally, the presence of plastic pollutants in the environment can disrupt ecosystems and harm sensitive species, further endangering the sanctuary's delicate balance. Forest Department’s efforts to generate revenue through entrance fees but failure to allocate funds for waste management reflects a lack of prioritization of environmental protection argued some locals.
Anand Metri, Range Forest Officer of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary said he took charge a few days back and assured to look into the matter so that garbage will not be a nuisance in future.
Cotigao locals demanded that the authorities implement effective waste management procedures, including regular garbage collection.
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of responsible waste disposal and the detrimental effects of littering on wildlife and ecosystems are crucial said Velip.
“All stakeholders namely the officials as well as the visitors should take proactive measures to combat garbage menace in the sanctuary,” said Vincent adding that this was the best way to protect nature’s bounty for future generations.