“The service has been put on hold for the time being. It is not a setback,” he said after inaugurating the Grape Escapade 2016 on Thursday.
His statement, to a question from the media, comes a day after Goa government announced suspending helicopter joyrides at Aguada helipad following protests from locals and the panchayat, supported by its own MLA Michael Lobo and Congress’ Agnelo Fernandes.
“We will identify the new spots and finalize it soon,” the CM said responding to another question about an alternative site to operate the service.
GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral, upset with the government decision, received praise from Parsekar. “He (Cabral) does justice to his work. He has been doing a commendable job and coming up with innovative ideas (tourism proposals) for the State,” Parsekar said.
The Curchorem MLA had stated that the helicopter service would operate from Dabolim airport with chopper rides shut at Aguada until further orders.
