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The Daruti Forest, a natural and historical jewel in Petit-Raffray, is now the focus of controversy. This recreational area is renowned for its peaceful walks and rich biodiversity, but unfortunately it is affected by disrespectful behaviour and illegal practices that threaten its integrity. “Quad bike” activities, environmental damage and nuisance caused by certain recreational activities have led to growing tensions within the local community.
A natural and historical treasure
The Daruty Forest or Belle-Vue Forest covers 108 hectares and has an impressive plant diversity. There are some exotic species, such asEucalyptus serrataI’Araucaria and mahogany (Mahogany), etc. These mature trees create a green environment conducive to meditation and relaxation. The well-marked trails are suitable for all fitness levels, making it an ideal destination for hikers, joggers and families.
In 2022, the Daruti Forest benefits from a transformation plan aimed at making it a more attractive place for Mauritians. In the spirit of the International Day of Forests, benches decorated with inspiring quotes have been set up along the trail. The effort aims to encourage people to reconnect with nature and practice outdoor physical activity. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated the new trail at a ceremony marking this International Day, stressing the importance of protecting and promoting natural spaces on the island.
However, these revitalization initiatives may be undermined by irresponsible behavior, e.g. Four-wheel motorcycles, This can cause considerable damage to trails and endanger the safety of other forest users.
“Quad bikes”: a threat to safety and the environment
this Four-wheel motorcycles, Although it is prohibited in the Daruti forest, it has become a common practice and is often associated with dangerous and disrespectful behavior. A recent incident has sparked a backlash on social media. A woman who was walking with her dog reported being manhandled by a group of youths on quad bikes who even tried to run over her dog. The youths refuted the woman’s comments, saying they never meant to hurt the woman or her dog. In a post on Facebook, the youths admitted to doing such an act. drifting But take every precaution. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of visitors to the forest.
A team Express Went to Daruti this week to check out the facts. No quad bikes were seen during our walk. The forest cleaners let us know that they usually come in the late afternoon. “Sir, I am an ordinary cleaner. I have no right to stop people coming here with four-wheelers. The ministry must act and do something about it. People on four-wheelers moved the big rocks that were blocking the passage so that they could enter. The cleaner explained.
A little further on, we met Akshay Tibaya Sobnath, a member of the Petit-Raffray village councillor and a local citizen movement, who revealed that this behavior is not new. Two months ago, a group of youths engaged in acts of vandalism at night, throwing stones at vehicles passing near the forest. These acts damaged about ten vehicles and sparked indignation among residents. With the joint efforts of all sectors of society and reports to the police, these youths stopped their illegal behavior.
“Unfortunately, a new group seems to have taken over, this time quad bikers, adding an extra layer of danger. These young men are having fun racing at high speeds on the trails, ignoring existing rules and putting the safety of hikers and joggers at risk. The pathways, which were initially blocked with rocks to prevent motorised vehicles from entering, have since been illegally cleared to facilitate access for quad bikes in the forest. Akshay explained.
Multiple nuisances: forests at risk
In addition to the problem Four-wheel motorcycles, The Daruti forest also faces other issues that threaten its integrity. A resident of the area who goes for a daily run in the forest described an alarming situation. Quad bikes are not only dangerous but also hazardous. They also cause considerable damage to the roads, destroy recently installed facilities and disturb the tranquility of the area.
“A restaurant in the area offers patrons excursions for four, adding to the pressure on this fragile natural area. These excursions, guided by off-road motorcycles, often take participants through the Daruti forest, causing further damage to the trails. Barriers and other protective measures put in place by the authorities are often bypassed, making it difficult to protect the site. In addition, horse owners walking their horses in the forest often leave feces on the trails, creating unsanitary conditions for other tourists. The foul smell and the breeding of flies detract from the experience of those seeking to enjoy nature. Lastly, some tourists illegally enter the forest in vehicles for filming. This practice is not only prohibited, but also leads to environmental degradation and contamination of the site, leaving waste behind.” The hiker explained. During the walk, we also noticed broken bottles on the trail, which posed a danger to the public.
In the face of these escalating problems, the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry reiterated the prohibition on practicing Quad Bike in the Daruti Forest. The Ministry plans to strengthen protection measures by replacing the rocks to once again block motorized traffic. However, the conservation of this site requires the cooperation of everyone. Locals, tourists and the authorities must work together to preserve this natural space so that it remains a haven of tranquility and a symbol of Mauritius’ historical heritage.
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