TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: BJP’s Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral on Thursday called for aggressive promotion of Goa as tourist destination, since tourism industry is the only alternative to boost State revenue, which had dipped due to closure of mining sector. He also called for considering the views of several stakeholders while preparing Master Plan for tourism.
“Rather than promoting Goa just as beach tourism, there is need to stress on the promotion of eco and hinterland tourism, which could turn into a major attraction for foreign tourists,” he opined.
Cabral, while participating in general discussion on State Budget 2013-14, said that Goa needs high-end infrastructure facilities realised through private partners. He also suggested introduction of radio taxis along the coastal belts, to prevent tourists from paying exorbitant fees.
Supporting Mopa airport, Cabral said that Dabolim should continue to function. He said that once BJP-led government takes over at the Centre, a written assurance needs to be taken declaring Dabolim as a civilian airport.
Participating in the discussion, Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal congratulated government for providing financial packages to people affected due to mining closer. “There are several other sections which are indirectly dependent on this sector and government should also need to look into their issues,” he said.
Sawal demanded compensation to the farmers, whose agricultural produce was affected due to stoppage of water supply from Tillari irrigation canal. The independent legislator informed the House that Bicholim has become 80 percent plastic free due to the municipality’s initiative and would move towards being 100 per cent plastic free.
Praising government for presenting a ‘well-balanced’ budget, Sawal urged government to reach out to people with their schemes irrespective of political affiliations.
Don’t restrict tourism to beach areas: Kavlekar
PANJIM: Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar Thursday insisted that tourism should not be only restricted to beaches. Participating in the discussion on the budget 2013-14, he said that the historically important places like Cabo de Rama fort should be upgraded so that it can become a major tourist attraction.
He said that diverting tourism to South Goa will reduce the burden on North Goa. Kavlekar said that there are tourist places in Quepem taluka which can also be developed as tourist spots so that the respective panchayats can get the revenue.
Kavlekar said that the parallel bridge on Kushavati river at Quepem should be completed in time.
