TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The process to identify locations along Goa’s inland waterways to launch sea plane adventure tourism is likely to get underway this week. The Captain of Ports department has received an application from Mehair, the agency selected for this venture, seeking an NOC from the CoP for starting this adventure activity along Goa’s inland waterways.
Captain of Ports James Braganza said, “A joint inspection will be carried out this week on various sites which could be feasible for the amphibian plane project to take off.”
Braganza said that the agency has applied for an NOC for operating sea planes in the State’s waterways and off-shore and the Ports administration will inspect certain areas to see the feasibility based on water traffic conditions. Initially plans are to start the amphibian planes at Aguada Bay and at Chapora-Terekol.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had granted approval to this project earlier this year and Mehair, reportedly experienced at sea plane adventure activity was directed to procure all further NOCs and clearances for plying their activity in Goa.
GTDC had targeted November 2013 for commencement of the sea plane venture and officials say that as soon as all permissions are granted from the central and state agencies, the adventure activity would commence.
Other than the seasonal white water rafting adventure tourism activity Goa has no other adventure tourism activity to attract tourists to the State.
The GTDC has unveiled several projects such as the hot air balloon, wind surfing and the London duck boats, and helicopter rides which it hopes to commence in the near future.
Meanwhile, the GTDC has in principle approved a project for introduction of tourist taxis driven by women for women in Goa.
The approval was granted at a GTDC board meeting held Wednesday. According to preliminary reports, the taxi service will transport only women passengers. However, in case a lady is accompanied by her family which includes male members, this group will be permitted to utilize this vehicle.
