PONDA: Sanvordem MLA and Goa Tourism Development Corporation chairman Ganesh Gaonkar has alleged that political factors are influencing the decision of jeep operators to refrain from transporting tourists to the Dudhsagar waterfall, despite the forest department having issued an order to resume tourism activities on October 19.
Gaonkar made these remarks in light of the impact on the livelihoods of local residents in Collem, who are facing uncertainty regarding the revival of tourism at Dudhsagar.
It is important to note that jeep operators halted their services, demanding the return of the GTDC counter, which has been managed by the corporation since January of this year.
According to Nilesh Velip, president of the jeep operators association, their request for the counter’s return stems from a decline in tourist numbers at Dudhsagar, attributed to increased fees associated with online bookings implemented by the corporation.
However, Gaonkar refuted Velip’s claims regarding the decrease in tourist footfall, asserting that the introduction of the online booking counter by the GTDC was intended to enhance operational efficiency and improve the experience for visitors to the waterfall. This initiative has also received support from the Travel and Tour Association, which commended the government’s decision to establish the online counter. Gaonkar further indicated that he plans to address the concerns of the jeep operators with the chief minister and will determine the appropriate next steps.