By Satyavatinandan Satrekar
As heavy monsoon showers drench Goa this year, the state is enjoying an early respite from the punishing summer heat. But while the rains bring relief, they also lay bare an unfolding crisis in Goa’s hinterland—one that threatens fragile ecosystems and the very wildlife that makes this landscape special.
From Beaches to Forests: The Tourism Shift
In the decades after Goa’s liberation, tourists began flocking to the state’s once-pristine coastal belt. In no time, these serene beaches transformed into bustling hotspots. Unplanned cement constructions, traffic congestion, untreated sewage, and mounds of garbage soon followed, burdening coastal communities with air, water, and noise pollution.
In response, the Goa government, over the past decade, began promoting hinterland eco-tourism as an alternative. But this shift, happening without a clear policy or regulatory framework, is now sparking a fresh set of environmental concerns.
Seeking ‘Mini Kashmir’ in the Western Ghats
Drawn by social media reels and YouTube videos touting “hidden gems,” crowds of weekend picnickers are venturing deep into Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and eco-sensitive zones. One such spot—the Anjunem Dam reservoir, dramatically nicknamed “Mini Kashmir”—has become a viral monsoon destination.
Set against the fog-draped backdrop of the Western Ghats, the reservoir and its lush valleys promise an almost cinematic experience. But behind the glossy photos lie disturbing consequences.
Irreparable Ecological Damage
Trekkers and thrill-seekers hiking to remote waterfalls and riverine valleys are trampling sensitive habitats and leaving behind trails of plastic waste, glass bottles, and food wrappers. In their quest for the perfect Instagram moment, many fail to follow basic safety rules or respect wildlife corridors.
The Chorla Ghat—where Goa meets Maharashtra and Karnataka—has become a particular magnet for crowds. Known for its panoramic mountain views and rich biodiversity, it now grapples with weekend traffic snarls and rampant littering that spills into the Anjunem backwaters.
Wildlife Under Siege
Authorities warn that the impact extends beyond aesthetic damage. The Anjunem reservoir and surrounding forests are home to tigers, sloth bears, leopards, gaurs, and numerous species of amphibians and reptiles. The constant disturbance has begun driving wild animals closer to human settlements—and making them increasingly aggressive.
With heavy monsoon rains rapidly filling the reservoir, officials fear that unsupervised picnickers are also risking their lives. “These locations are not meant for tourists,” says Dilip Naik, Superintending Engineer of the Water Resources Department. “I have directed the Executive Engineer to file a complaint at Valpoi Police Station, and the area has been officially banned for picnicking.”
The Need for a Clear Policy
Despite these warnings, viral videos continue to lure crowds into sensitive zones. Unless the government urgently formulates and enforces a sustainable eco-tourism policy, Goa’s hinterland risks going the way of its overburdened coast—sacrificed to unchecked development and short-sighted adventure.
For now, the monsoon’s beauty hides a sobering truth: without stronger safeguards, hinterland eco-tourism may do more harm than good to Goa’s precious wildlife and environment.
