TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: In a shocking revelation, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar in a written reply has disclosed that no tourism projects had been approved by the Government of India for Goa since April 2012. He was replying to queries from former chief minister and present Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
However, the State on its own has initiated various projects which have commenced as promised since the last two budgets. These include shortlisting of consultant for preparation of the Tourism Master Plan and Policy. Others include designating GTDC as the SPV for infrastructure development, tourism projects in various parts of the State, floating tenders for beach cleaning and beach safety, appointment of State level marketing committee comprising of industry experts and government officials for undertaking marketing activities in a professional manner.
The reply also enlists appointment of brand consultant for Goa tourism for the first time for professional marketing, in addition to the constitution of a Single Window clearance committee for tourism events. It also states that the Beach Shack Policy for three years has been finalised for the first time and so also the Water Sports Policy.
The department of tourism further disclosed that it has initiated the proposal for development of churches under the project of Integrated Development of Infrastructure for Heritage and hinterland tourism as mega circuits sanctioned and funded by the Ministry of Tourism (GoI) and Government of Goa.
No specific funds have however been earmarked for the coming Exposition of St Francis Xavier, said Parulekar in his reply to queries from Taleigao MLA Jennifer Monserrate.
Parulekar informed the House that the proposal envisages infrastructure development near the church complex like landscaping, beautification, pathways near St Cajetan’s church, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St Augustine tower, Our Lady of Rosary church, interpretation centre for tourist, open parking space and tourist facilities and pilgrim centre facilities.
The NOC is received from the Director National Monument Authority for the proposal of parking, interpretation centre and pilgrim centre. The NOCs for other proposals are awaited.
The tourism ministry has also disclosed, in another written reply to the House that plans are in the offing to cover tourism sites under CCTV surveillance and the details are being worked out.
Meanwhile, after being censured on various tourism related issues by the Comptroller and Auditor General in its report tabled in the Goa Assembly last week, the tourism ministry has agreed that corrective action is required and would be taken after examining the report.
The tourism ministry points out that a report from the CAG of the performance audit conducted for the period ending March 31, 2012 has been received.
While replying to this query from Rohan Khaunte, the tourism minister has enlisted various steps already initiated by the tourism ministry to give Goa tourism a new direction by appointment of various professional agencies for public relations, Branding Goa and preparation of the Tourism Master Plan.
