VASCO: Lambasting the BJP government for not taking keen interest in utilizing tourism potential of Goa, AAP’s chief ministerial candidate Elvis Gomes has said that his party has lots of ideas for brining tourism back on track.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of AAP’s Zhaadu Yatra, which kick started in Mormugao Constituency and culminated in Cortalim on Friday.
“Tourism is our backbone, but the way BJP government handled tourism across Goa, this major revenue generating industry started crumbling. Tourism needs ideas, we have those ideas and we are going to put tourism back on track. We have already said in our manifesto that we are going to double our revenue that will come from tourism,” he said.
Commenting on the Mopa versus Dabolim Airport issue, he said, “I have made it very clear that Dabolim operations have to continue and we will do everything within our powers to see that operations at Dabolim continue even in future. Also, we believe that Mopa is a big land scam as 54 lakh square meters of land have been taken over from the poor people to make Mopa, the casino district of Goa which AAP government will oppose tooth and nail.”
On the coal dust pollution in the port town, he said, “As far as pollution in the port town in concerned, nobody will be allowed to tamper with the ambient air quality monitoring system and law will be made strict.”
He faulted lack of law enforcement for pollution in the port town and that “money bag politics is being practiced here.”
“AAP will abolish money bag politics and will stop coal pollution,” he promised.
AAP candidate from Mormugao Karl Vaz said, “Today’s Zhaadu Yatra is basically to bring about change in governance. Goa is flooded with corruption and broom (AAP symbol) will definitely clean the corruption in Goa. With regards to pollution in the port town, we are clear with our decision that we shall not take pollution lightly anymore once AAP comes to power. We will make sure that all technological means will be implemented to ensure that pollution is completely eliminate and in case if coal is to be handled, then, the same will be allowed only under high-end technological is put in place.”
