“I have enlightened people during my services yesterday (Sunday) in the Church that we should oppose it. I have appealed to the people to object to it,” said Fr Rebello.
In a joint press conference with the Congress, Fr Rebello said the locals are not deriving any benefit from the project. “On the other hand it will disturb the businesses, which are already settled in that area,” he added.
Fr Rebello said the Aguada plateau has rich biodiversity and is home to several birds and peacocks besides other animals. “We cannot let this biodiversity get affected for the sake of tourism,” he said and added that “no one is against sustainable tourism”.
Fr Rebello claimed that priests from Calangute and Candolim churches have also extended their support to the group, which is opposing Heli Tourism.
Congress spokesperson Agnelo Fernandes said Heli Tourism would disturb the ecological biodiversity at Aguada. He alleged that the government intends to convert the Aguada fort into “mini-tourism airport”.
“We are not against helicopter rides, let it get promoted in the hinterland and cities but not in tourism areas,” Fernandes, the former Calangute MLA, said adding that foreign tourists would soon be launching a signature campaign against the project.
The Congress party has petitioned State Chief Secretary R K Srivastava against Heli Tourism listing out the objections to the project. They will be submitting a memorandum to Governor Mridula Sinha on Tuesday.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Pawan Hans have signed an agreement to start Heli Tourism in the State. The first phase will include flights between Panjim and Aguada helipad.
