Team Herald
PANJIM: The Congress has opposed the Central government’s move to declare the Aguada lighthouse as a new tourism beacon, stating that the area is ecologically fragile and any activity will destroy its biodiversity.
Last week Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari had announced the development of 78 lighthouses across the country, including the Aguada lighthouse, on a private partnership mode.
Addressing the media, Congress spokesperson Agnelo Fernandes said the development project includes building hotels, museums, adventure sports facilities, etc. “The plateau is ecologically fragile and any activity will destroy the biodiversity of the area,” he said.
Fernandes charged that the move is a back door entry for non-Goan realtors to give away the State’s precious land in the guise of PPP. He pointed out that in the past too, a leading hotel company had proposed a similar development and it was opposed by the local panchayat and the matter is pending before court.
