PANAJI (GOA)
A high level meeting was convened by the Department of Tourism and chaired by Minister for Tourism, comprising of coastal taluka MLAs and village panchayat sarpanchs who today unanimously resolved to complete all tourism related infrastructure development projects under Swadesh Darshan within a period of one year.
While the first phase of the Coastal Circuit Development Plan covering beaches of North Goa will be completed within the next six months, projects envisaged under the second phase of the Coastal Circuit Development covering beaches in South Goa is proposed to be completed within the next one year.
Site inspections for identification of areas for setting up of public conveniences namely toilets, changing rooms, locker facilities on the beach belts will begin from tomorrow and will be completed by September 15.
Minister for Tourism, Manohar Ajgaonkar addressing the high level meeting on Monday morning said, “ Goa Tourism has received Rs 200 crore (Rs 100 crore in the first phase and Rs 100 crore in the second phase) from the Central government under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for setting up tourism infrastructure in the state. It is important that we utilise the money and complete the projects expeditiously so that this infrastructure development gives a big boost to tourism, in particular the beaches, and attracts tourists from all over the world.”
Ajgaonkar also requested the MD GTDC, Nikhil Desai to initiate the process for CRZ approvals immediately.
Coastal areas that will get a fillip under the coastal circuit development plan phase I include Morjim-Keri, Anjuna-Vagator, Sinquerim – Baga.
Coastal areas that will get a fillip under the coastal circuit development plan phase II include Miramar, Dona Paula, Baina, Colva, Agonda, Palolem,Benaulim, Cavelossim, Mobor and many others.
Other components namely parking facilities, CCTVs, tourist information centers, solar panels, solid waste management, signage, seating arrangement at beaches, mobile toilet models, GS mapping, cycle tracks, gazebos, drinking water facilities, Wi Fi, lighting, rescue boats and water scooters will be taken up in the development plans.
