Alcohol ban in green Surla brings peace and visitors

KERI: Surla, a village situated along the Goa-Karnataka border, which is famed for its natural beauty, is once again attracting visitors, after an alcohol ban that was implemented about six months ago. Students, researchers and nature lovers are now visiting Surla, a respite from the hoard of picnickers who would earlier create law and order problems for locals, after drinking alcohol.
A treasure trove of cultural value and ecological wealth, Surla's large chunk of forest forms a part of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary since 1999. The village cradles sacred groves as well as several seasonal waterfalls like Barazan, Ladkecho, Ghungurdyacho, Jalavaticho, among other cascades. It has rich diversity of ceacilians, snakes, frogs, todes, birds and insects. During monsoon, the village wears a green look, as most of the deciduous trees, creepers and liannas, too, transform into green.
Earlier, the Goa police and excise had been unable to deal with the havoc and only last year a movement was launched by locals, especially the youth, to prohibit the sale of alcohol in the area.
Deepak Amonkar, the Principal of Dr K B Hedgewar Higher Secondary School, Cujira, who was present with 180 students on a monsoon trek said, "Surla was the most enchanting experience for our students. It is an apt destination for those who want to enjoy natural beauty and research varied elements of biodiversity and wildlife." "Our village is peaceful again. But no effort has been taken to provide opportunities for villagers or generate revenue for the government through eco-tourism,"said Pandurang Gaonkar, a local.