TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Tourism industry in Goa is waiting anxiously for Regional Plan 2021 to clamp down on issues affecting the beauty of Goa and its natural resources which are key in the promotion of the State as a tourist destination.
Former Chairman of CII and Chairman of D’Souza Group Ralph D’Souza Saturday said, “Goa is a heaven of natural resources, yet was faced with environment concerns of deforestation, conversion of agriculture lands and coastal zone violations.
“We have to find solutions to these issues and the Regional Plan 2021 which is being re-visited should provide the perspective and regulatory framework and act as a bench mark for tourism development.”
D’Souza said, “Our hope is in the Regional Plan to safeguard the beauty of Goa. We need plans and controls.” He stressed on the need to safeguard Non Development Zones and eco-sensitive zones and impressed on the need for a Tourism Advisory Board and a task force to salvage the future for sustainable tourism.
Underscoring that Goa’s tourism revenue is Rs 850 crore, D’Souza said one third of its population was directly and indirectly involved in it. He impressed on the need for Goa to cope with the increasing flow of tourists vis-à-vis infrastructure and for short term and long term planning.
