Backwater access to Old Goa on cards
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JULY 26
Backwater tourist access to tourist destination developments around Old Goa, Tourist Security force, development of St Monica jetty alongwith a parking lot and an oceananarium are some of the development works, which has been proposed by the Department of Tourism in the year 2009-10.
The backwater tourist access to tourist destination developments around Old Goa Church etc which have been sanctioned financial assistance under Mega Circuit Development would be taken up.
The backwater access was to be taken up by the government last year with some private cruises also applying for permissions, however for unknown reasons the same has not seen the light of the day.
Setting up of special tourist security force named as Tourist Security Organization is proposed to be formulated in order to provide additional protection and guidance to tourists visiting the State.
The department in its performance report has said that the upgradation of infrastructure, development and maintenance of places of tourist interest will be continued.
The department has also decided to make a provision of barrier free access facilities for disabled persons at Colva and Benaulim beaches.
Widening of road, car parking and toilet facilities at Bogmalo beach in Mormugao taluka will also be taken up apart from development of tourism jetty and parking lot at Panjim.
The department has also decided to develop infrastructure at the
important temples and churches. They include upgradation of tourist facilities at Mangeshi temple; beautification of surrounding area near Shantadurga Kunkalikarim Sausthan, Fatorpa; development of surrounding near Chandreshwar Bhuthnath temple at Parvat, Paroda in Quepem taluka; development of Phase II work at Mardol near Mahalasa Temple, Ponda; and development of infrastructure facilities at Old Goa and Panjim church.
The department has also planned a tourism hub at Parayatan Bhavan in the capital city.
Development of Pompurpa spring through GTDC and other springs for benefit of tourists is also on cards.
Besides development such as restoration, conservation, landscaping etc of Harvalem waterfall through PWD, beautification of Curtorim Lake and improvement of Colva and Calangute beaches will also be taken up.
The department has also proposed to provide golf course facilities, International convention Centre, Oceanararium and other such facilities under Public Private Partnership Scheme (PPP).
On instruction from Government of India, the tourism department has proposed to give benefits under tourism development activities to women and children.
These individuals will be given opportunities in maintenance of work for Beach cleaning contracts.
Priorities will be given for erection and running of temporary shacks on the beaches during the tourist season.
