Team Herald
MARGAO: All the major works under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme related to providing better facilities at beaches of Goa, especially on the South Goa beaches have been completed, and the inauguration function will be held before the start of the new tourism season.
Works include public amenities such as tourist information centres, toilet blocks, illumination, solid waste management, WiFi facilities have been almost completed, said the Tourism Department.
South Goa Member of Parliament Francisco Sardinha has decided to carry out the inspection of the works in the next few days. All these works were in progress under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in South Goa.
Recently, Sardinha held a review meeting with all the concerned departments including the Tourism Department at Margao. Swadesh Darshan Scheme was envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) by the Ministry of Tourism.
Under the scheme, provisions have been made for the development of tourist places namely Colva and Benaulim, besides provisions of public amenities such as tourist information centres, toilet blocks, signage, illumination, solid waste, etc.
According to the Tourism Department sources, funds of Rs 231.95 lakh have been sanctioned for Colva Beach, and all the works are completed as of May 30, 2021. Under this project provision of paved parking for 50 buses, 180 cars, 150 two-wheelers, 25 autos, besides road beautification at Colva Beach, beautification of an existing traffic island, and provision of drainage facilities have been provided.
While for the development of Benaulim Beach Rs 274.97 lakh has been sanctioned under the said scheme and all works are completed, wherein the provision of paved parking for 100 two-wheelers and 200 car parking has been provided. The project includes road beautification at Benaulim Beach, construction of retaining walls, and illumination.
Representatives of the Tourism Department have informed the Member of Parliament at the meeting that works pertaining to mobile toilets at Sernabatim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, Fatrade, and Bogmalo beaches have been completed. Gazeebos facility has been constructed at Colva, Sernabatim, besides at Miramar and Bogmalo beaches. The Ministry for Tourism has sanctioned nearly Rs 342.87 lakh for the construction of mobile toilets and Rs 86.92 lakh for gazeebos.
Works of four tourists’ information centres at Colva, Mobor, Benaulim beaches, besides permanent toilets at Colva, Palolem, and Benaulim beaches are in progress. The Ministry has sanctioned a total of Rs 666.93 lakh for tourist information centres and Rs 583.29 lakh for permanent toilets.
The ministry has also sanctioned nearly Rs168.75 lakh for the solid waste management equipment, which includes two self-propelled sweeping machines of 5,000 cubic capacity for cleaning roads.
Nearly 30 high masts and 267 solar streetlight poles have been installed.
WiFi facilities have been provided at Benaulim, Colva, and Palolem beaches worth Rs 126 lakh. CCTV surveillance has been provided at Colva, Utorda, Sernabatim, Benaulim, Betalbhatim, and Sunset beaches.
Works of installing 159 signage and one LED signboard at Agonda Beach is completed amounting to Rs 196.49 lakh.
Speaking about the project, MP Sardinha said that he will carry out the inspection before the inauguration.
“The officials of the Tourism Department have informed me about the works carried out under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Almost all the works have been completed. The inauguration will be held before the start of the new tourism season,” he said.
