TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Remote Khola village in Canacona taluka has been adopted as a model village under the Prime Minister’s Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana scheme, raising hopes that the crumbling historic Cabo de Rama fort may receive a fresh lease of life, besides boost for village infrastructure, including sanitation, fisheries, agriculture and Tourism.
While extensive efforts will be made to make Khola a model village by March 2016, two more villages will be similarly adopted in South Goa by MP Narendra Sawaikar by March 2019.
Addressing the media after a meeting with heads of around 18 different departments in the South district Collectorate on Tuesday evening Sawaikar said though there’s no dedicated funds allotted by the Centre as part of the scheme to make Khola a model village, the objective will be achieved through effective implementation of both the central and state government schemes.
“Khola has a potential in tourism given its coastline. It also has good potential for fisheries, agriculture given that the village is the home for the fishing community and farmers”, he said.
Sawaikar said that sanitation, education, health, agriculture, tourism and other related activities will be the main focus area under the scheme. “Today, I had a meeting with heads of as many as 18 departments. I have issued instructions to the heads to prepare a plan of action which will be implemented by the district collector”, he said. Replying to a question, he said Khola plays host to the historic Cabo de Rama fort, besides a temple and chapel. “We will involve the Archaeological Survey of India to help us in the restoration of the fort. Besides, we may involve an NGO which has the expertise in restoration of forts”, he said.
Replying to another question, he said that though Goa is a model to other states on many fronts, there’s still scope for improvement at the village level. “Though the Centre has laid down norms and guidelines while adopting villages under the scheme, Khola was selected not only because it deserved attention, but it has the potential for development. We will name the other two villages in due course of time”, Sawaikar added.
