TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: After losing out on Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for over 18 months, the tourism department is working hard to submit utilisation certificates for previously sanctioned funds in a bid to seek more funds, with a target of procuring at least Rs 80 crore before the present financial year ends.
According to data, so far, the tourism department had submitted utilisation certificates (UCs) for works completed to the tune of Rs 23 crore, as against an amount sanctioned by the Centre to the tune of Rs 78 crore. At the first instance, Goa got only Rs 39 crore of which it submitted UCs for Rs 23 crore.
“The utilisation certificates for the balance Rs 16 crore would be submitted by this year end,” said a tourism dept official.
“Only after we submit the UCs for the first sanctioned amount of Rs 39 crore will we get the balance amount of Rs 39 crore,” the official said adding that the tourism department is eyeing another Rs 40 crore from the Centre by March 2014.
Presently utilisation certificates of works worth Rs 16 crore are scheduled to be submitted by December with three major projects underway ~ the Convention Centre at Margao, the second Institute of Hotel Management at Farmagudi, Goa Haat at Panjim and the Colva Development project ~ underway.
Ministry level officials say that presently the tourism department is in the process of undertaking close to 23 projects under State funds, Central funds and joint contributions by both.
Development of a Rock Garden at Mapusa, upgradation and beautification of tourist places in Pernem, Canacona, Quepm, Vasco, Sanguem, and coastal areas of Anjuna, Dona Paula, Mangueshi, Kavlem, Velsao, Mayem, Mardol are on the cards. Major projects include the upgradation and beautification of Miramar stretch and development of Bondla.
The Colva Circuit Development project, has obtained all CRZ clearances and works would commence once the respective local bodies accorded their approvals to it.
“The target is to begin work by November and complete it within six months,” said a senior tourism department official.
The works include parking facilities, changing rooms, beautification and so on. The tourism department has already started the demarcation of its properties where the works are to be undertaken in Colva and all encroachments would be cleared out.
The tourism department has further disclosed that it has taken corrective measures as far as appointment of consultants and has empanelled 13 agencies for the purpose of undertaking tourism infrastructure development works.
