Team Herald
PANJIM: The Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has criticized the persons and leaders opposing the jetty, water sports and ease of doing business policy. He has advised the protesting leaders to stop spreading falsehoods regarding the policies.
Khaunte advised protesting leaders not create political divides for personal political aspirations and said that the statements coming out with regards to water sports and jetty policy off late are not true.
“Goencho Ramponkarancho Ekvott, Goencho Ekvott, Toddy Tappers Association have filed their doubts regarding the decisions taken for ease of doing business. We know our priorities towards our Goans and the business will remain with Goans,” said Khaunte.
Khaunte also said that department is not discounting permissions of any department nor overriding any department. He has sought the support of the water sports and tourism stakeholders from South and North Goa.
“There are several complaints from water sports operators and tourism businesses that there are touts and agents who are cheating, fleecing tourists. Our policy plans to stop that effectively by introducing online bookings and proper queuing system to ensure businesses to Goans,” said Khaunte.
Speaking on the jetty policy for Goa, the Minister said that the policy is not applicable to any jetties owned by private person or entities, and it excludes casinos, personal boats, barges, ferries and other transport vessels which do not cater to tourism and leisure segments. “The Policy excludes fishing or coal handling etc. that does not cater to tourism and leisure segments. The Policy does not envisage construction of any new jetties nor does it extend any permission for construction of the same,” he added.
The Director of Tourism Nikhil Desai while clarifying that the Jetty Management Policy will not be superseding any authority or department said, “The Jetty Management Committee and jetty policy is needed to make sure there is a carrying capacity study of the rivers done.”
