TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Goa government Wednesday announced a budget provision of close to Rs 200 crore for tourism which includes infrastructure projects, development of facilities for upcoming Exposition at Old Goa, illumination and beautification of temples, heritage home scheme, underground cabling in coastal areas, beach safety, garbage management and disposal.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that several of the budget proposals of 2013-14 have taken shape in the current year and Goa is receiving large number of tourists which is 12 per cent higher than the previous year.
Acknowledging that tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy providing income and employment to people, the government has recognized the need for diversifying tourism activities, providing minimum essential amenities to tourists and creating a tourism friendly environment and infrastructure for tourist attraction which would be realized through a tourism master plan and policy.
Parrikar highlighted projects for beautification of Old Goa for the exposition of St Francis Xavier, beautification of Mardol and Mangueshi temples, illumination of Gajantlaxmi Temple at Volvoi, illumination at various places of historic and touristic importance which are already underway including the historic Mahalsa Temple at Verna. The total cost of development of these projects would stand at around Rs 46 crores on completion.
Rs 40 crores has been provided for underground cabling and other projects worth 50 crores are in the pipeline for coastal areas.
For the solemn Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier this year, the government will provide all necessary support and required infrastructure.
, to ensure better services for nearly 15 lakh devotees and pilgrims expected from India and all around the World. An Exposition Secretariat will be constituted and adequate budgetary provision has been provided.
The government has also provided Rs 86.5 crores for development of tourism related infrastructure, Rs 5.00 crores for garbage disposal, Rs 80 lakh for scheme of Heritage Houses, Rs 5 crore for promotion of Tribal Tourism in Tribal areas and Rs 24 crore for Beach Patrol and Safety. Parrikar also pointed out to on-going works for a cruise jetty and multi-level car park which are in progress and a big boost to Goa tourism around Panjim.
