Candolim (Goa): While expressing concern over the lack of toilet facilities in several village panchayats, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has sought cooperation from the people to bring Goa to number one rank. He also emphasised that Goa will be made open defecation free (ODF) by October 2, 2018.

“If we want to make Goa number one state, cooperation and support of people is very important. I am surprised to see that even in this modern era 70,000 household in Goa do not have toilet facilities and they have to go to forest due to non availability of toilets. To boost tourism, Goa needs to keep clean. Goa will be made Open Defecation Free ODF by October 2, 2018,” Parrikar said after inaugurating the first public utilities and changing room facility at Candolim, a project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme executed through Department of Tourism and  Goa Tourism Development Corporation .He stated that every Panchayats should focus on ODF and “Swachh Bharat Mission.”

Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar in his address said that union government has allotted Rs 200 crores to the state under the Swadesh Darshan scheme to enhance its tourism infrastructure, which will help in attracting more tourists to Goa.

“Government will accord priority  to provide adequate facility and ensure safety to tourist.. Such public utility will be provided in every coastal belt right from Palolem to Keri,” he added.

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said that his constituency is the first to have public utility with better facilities provided – in Candolim. He further appealed to maintain cleanliness in the toilet and treat it as their house toilet. GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said that entire project will cost Rs 14 crores which will have provision for parking lots, electrification, food court and garden.