PANAJI
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo has come down heavily on the management of a Siolim school for organizing a waterfall trek despite an Orange alert, which ultimately led to nearly 40 students stranded.
The 40 students of S.F.X. School were eventually rescued from Charavane waterfall, Sattari by the forest officials.
Lobo raised concerns about the safety of such trips during the monsoon season, especially when weather warnings are issued. She instead suggested encouraging trips to a garbage treatment plan from where electricity is generated through waste.
“When the IMD issues a Yellow Alert (was upgraded to Orange alert by the IMD Goa subsequently), schools should avoid taking children to dangerous sites. It's common sense and children's lives were at stake,” Lobo said.
She pointed out that to reach Charavane waterfall, visitors must cross two rivers, making it particularly risky during the monsoons.
"I don’t understand what kind of study tours these are. I request headmasters that if you wish to take children on a study tour, bring them to a garbage treatment plant. Show them how garbage is segregated and how electricity is generated after treating waste. Do not visit such dangerous spots during the monsoons," she suggested.
Further, the Siolim MLA along with Anjuna Panchayat Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar and local officials, called on Anjuna Police Inspector Suraj Gawas and Traffic PI Sitakant Nayak demanding action to curb theft incidents and harassment of tourists.
They demanded the strengthening of verification drives and action against landlords for not adhering to the existing laws.
