5 GTDC?hotels to be upgraded

 TEAM HERALD

teamehrald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: In a bid to attract high-end tourists to Goa, Tourism Department has proposed to upgrade five of its Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) residencies to five-star resorts. The proposal was put up before a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar at Secretariat on Saturday. 

The department has identified Miramar, Mayem, Britona and Colva residencies while it is planning another five star residency at Anjuna. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has confirmed about the proposal.

“We need to upgrade our facilities. The department has planned an oceanarium project alongside Miramar residency and a convention hall. It is spread on 18,500 sq mtrs land and we expect that the oceanarium developed below the hotel would be an unique sight for tourists,” he said. “Mayem Resort will have 60 rooms with other facilities.” 

The minister added that a go-ahead from the government will depend on the feasibility report as the entire project will be on 50 percent grants from the Centre and 50 percent State’s contribution.   

Meanwhile on the beach cleaning issue, sources say that the project ‘Integrated System of Beach Cleaning and Management’ will cover 15 percent mechanized cleaning while 85 percent will be manual. 

“Oil deposits, dead wood, cattle carcasses besides garbage will be thoroughly cleaned. We have ensured that sand dunes and turtle nesting sites are not affected as only those beaches where garbage is more will be mechanically cleaned,” a senior tourism official told Herald.

“The agency will sort out the garbage in scientific manner… they will collect, process, segregate and dispose of garbage scientifically. Organic waste will be treated for manure, while plastic and other wastes will be sent to cement factory and other locations identified by the GSPCB” he added. 

Interestingly, the agency will also be responsible for placing dustbins on the beaches. “Their workers will clean the dustbins every three hours…this will prevent burning of garbage on the beach,” the official said adding that Rs 1.25 crore is justifiable for the industry that contributes Rs 900 crore to State economy. 

To ensure safety on the beaches, chief minister has also decided to increase the presence of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) to 150 from the existing strength of 105 personnel. Police sub inspectors will also be increased from five to 10, who will work in shifts.