FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
VIBHA VERMA
The stakeholders in Goa are quite elated with government’s recent cabinet decision approving the long pending Entertainment City project at Dhargal. While the details of the project are yet to be declared in public domain, the State is expecting a boom of investments and revenue.
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), an umbrella organisation of travel and tourism players, has hailed the decision whilst emphasising that the hub should be completed within a time bound period.
“It would be difficult to comment at this stage since details are not out yet but it has been a good move. Goa was always looking out for an entertainment park and with focus on family tourism and inclusion of water parks, etc; it will be boon for all of us. Goa does require recreational facility,” TTAG President Nilesh Shah said.
But against the backdrop of opposition to various government projects, the TTAG has suggested that people need to be taken into confidence to go-ahead with the project. “This is definitely a challenge. The government needs to take everyone into confidence. At the same time, Goan population should take this project positively as it will not only generate employment for the locals but also stop the brain drain,” he added.
The entertainment industry in the State is also excited about the upcoming project turning into a reality. “There will a lot of additional attraction for every sector in Goa. Besides tourism, the film, TV and ad making companies can also use the hub for shooting purpose,” one of the leading producers in Goa Dilip Borkar said.
Similar view was shared by another noted line producer Shiva Naik, adding entertainment city is also an option to tourism. “It benefits every stakeholder. All the sectors right from a king to a beggar benefits,” he said extending support to the upcoming Entertainment City.
Asked about the opposition to developmental projects, he insisted that local population should realise it will increase employment opportunities. “People who want to extract money will oppose, especially those not in the power,” he added.
