Team Herald
MARGAO: The Union Ministry for Tourism has given a green signal to the proposal of facelifting the site of Basilica of Bom Jesus and the surrounding area at Old Goa under the pilgrimage rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation drive (PRASAD).
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This has been informed by Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Tourism at Margao on Monday.
He has also said that Colva and Calangute, both iconic beaches will be further developed with the 100 per cent funding from the Ministry of Tourism.
It is pertinent to note that Goa had submitted a proposal to give a facelift to the site of Bom Jesus Basilica at Old Goa under the PRASAD scheme. However, the State was waiting for the approval from the Union Ministry for Tourism.
As per the proposal, almost 24 different facilities including beautification, public conveniences, security and surveillance systems, illumination, vehicle parking, information centres, cooking shaded for devotees, electronic vehicles, etc, will be taken up on the site.
Speaking to media persons Shripad Naik said the proposal sent to the central government pertaining to the facelift of the Bom Jesus Basilica has been passed.
He said the two iconic beaches of Goa, which were already selected by the Union Ministry of Tourism under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, will be further developed with full funding from the central government.
“Earlier, both the beaches were developed but with 40-60 fund sharing between the central and State government. However, now these beaches will be further developed with 100 per cent funding from the Ministry”, he said.
