TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
MAYEM: The Tourism Department and Goa Tourism Development Corporation have taken the initiative to beautify the Mayem lake and surrounding areas.
The initiative was taken by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar during his visit to Mayem a few months ago. The estimate cost of the project is about Rs 8 crore.
The contract of beautifying the lake has been given to a Bangalore-based company on PPP basis. The beautification work will be undertaken by adopting eco-friendly methods to protect environment.
According to sources, the entire area will be made grassland and there will be a hanging plastic jetty near the lake bank. Old boats will be replaced by new ones of novel technology and will include restaurant boats, water cycle boats, electric boats, Shikata boats, family boats, etc.
Sources informed that attractive balloons have been already released in the lake water at different places with the help of which the tourists can take a ride. Life jackets have also been provided for the safety of tourists. The company will also organise different sports game for the tourists. CCTV cameras have also been installed.
There will be bar and restaurant in the two wooden-made kiosks besides fountain and electrification of the area. Different employment schemes will be also created to curb unemployment of local youth.
Ashok Nagvekar, owner of a bar and restaurant, said, “This is the commendable initiative taken by the chief minister which will help boost the dwindled business in the area.”
Another bar owner, Sripad Kumbharjuvekar, said the government should start tourism buses at Mayem lake area as early possible.
Deputy Speaker Shet said he will see that the work is completed as early as possible to fulfil the dream project of Parrikar.
Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal said beautification of the Mayem Lake will ultimately benefit Bicholim town as far as business is concerned.
