Panaji (Goa): With littering of liquor bottles and plastic waste being a common phenomenon as the monsoon tourism kick starts, the State Forest Department has prohibited consumption of alcohol and littering of plastic waste at the touristic spots.

Forest Department has declared the forest areas, sanctuaries, national parks and waterfalls as ‘No plastic’ and ‘No Alcohol’ zones.

The forest department has issued series of guidelines to the visitors visiting the touristic spots for trekking or picnics.

Department stated that during the monsoon season from June to September State witnesses an increase in foot falls to forest areas every year. “The visitors from the State and outside undertake forest treks in the monsoon besides visiting the numerous waterfalls that spring to life in this season,” department said in a press statement issued on Thursday.

“The Forest areas, Sanctuaries and National Parks that are visited by tourists are deemed as ‘No Plastic’ and ‘No Alcohol’ zones, thereby strictly prohibiting carrying and consumption of alcoholic drinks on the trekking routes and / or approach routes to the waterfalls,” it added.

Most of the treks and waterfalls are located in the Wildlife Protected areas like Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and wildlife sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

Department has said that the entry inside the forest areas to anyone found violating the guidelines would be denied. “All the visitors are expected not to litter the forest are or the waterfalls sites with leftover eatables, wrappers, empty containers and the like,” it said.

Stating that bathing or frolicking in waterfalls may be risky, the department has asked the visitors to observe all precautions and have special attention to children.

Team TNV