Team Herald
PANJIM: Two upcoming projects – Greenfield Airport at Mopa and 8-lane cable stayed bridge over Zuari River along with the already commissioned Atal Setu Bridge are being considered as major tourist attractions in the State, which has been going through a tough phase in the tourism sector.
Governor Satya Pal Malik, in his address during the Republic Day function on Sunday, said these infrastructural projects would be international tourist attractions. “Goa is one of the fastest growing States in the country. It has a well developed social, physical, industrial, tourism, sports infrastructure and virtual connectivity. It has significant port infrastructure and will soon get its own international airport, which would boost the tourism industry in Goa and help socio-economic development in the region,” he said.
“Infrastructural development has always been the top priority for the State government. The cable-stayed bridge ‘Atal Setu’ across Mandovi River was inaugurated a year ago and is a visionary project of the government. It is an architectural marvel and a major tourist attraction. Another ambitious project of the government is the 8-lane cable stayed bridge over Zuari River, which is under construction. This bridge will be perhaps the widest cable stayed bridge in the country with two 125 metre high viewing towers atop the bridge, which is expected to be an international tourism attraction,” the Governor added.
Malik also mentioned about government’s successful urban rural connectivity and government’s priority to improve water and power supply in the State.
On the revenue front, the Governor mentioned the increase in revenue collection through GST. He said that till December 2019, the revenue collection was Rs 2558.40 crore while excise revenue collection till the same period reached Rs 351.55 crore showing a growth of 7.6 percent compared to the same period in the preceding year.
Applauding education scenario in Goa, Malik emphasized the need for more efforts to have sufficient number of NET/SET qualified candidates.
He also pointed out to difficulties faced by aspirants to qualify for these examinations. “Directorate of Higher Education decided NET/SET mentoring programme for students aspiring to pursue their career as college teachers. Extensive sessions were conducted to train the NET/SET aspirants and as a result 85 students have now cleared it. Additionally, 25 colleges have got accreditation status of NAAC of which 11 colleges and Goa University got A grades,” he added.
