Union Minister of State for Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated tourism infrastructure projects funded by the Centre under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. He also laid the foundation stones for 2 new projects and launched Goa Tourism’s mobile application that would provide necessary information about travel and tourism services, festivals, tourist attractions, places of interest to the visitors.
Patel hailed Goa’s achievements as a tourism destination and assured all central assistance to boost tourism related infrastructure and initiatives in Goa. He unveiled the plaques inaugurating the Anjuna beach parking and public utility facilities, Candolim beach parking and public utility facilities and Morjim Khind – the new tourism destination and laid foundation stones for the Mini Convention Center proposed at Patto in Panjim and Development of Aguada Jail as a tourism destination.
Brief details of some projects:
• Development of facilities at Candolim beach
The salient features of the project includes parking for cars, buses and two-wheelers; and garden and play space in an area of 1960 sq mts, public conveniences (Toilet Block) with STP, Tourist Information Centre, CCTV coverage and drinking water facilities (RO Plant).
• Mobile Application
For the convenience of the tourists the app includes, information on Goa and its tourist attractions, booking of hotels, cruises, tours, new tourism services, 360 degree view of tourist attractions, festivals calendar, emergency services, etc.
• Morjim Khind
GTDC (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) has developed Morjim Khind as a spiritual destination along with ancillary entertainment facilities for children. GTDC has completed the development through central financial assistance (CFA) obtained under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The development includes pathway and parking and creek development.
It includes entrance plaza with fountain, meditation kiosk, Yogshala, seating pavilion, amphitheater, souvenir shops, play equipment and FRP floating jetty and pedal boats. As part of the project, a cafeteria with food court and parking facilities have been provided.
• Proposed renovation, restoration of Aguada Jail
GTDC is restoring the Aguada Lower Fort (Central Jail) as a monument for freedom struggle in Goa to commemorate as well as to increase awareness among the general public and tourists regarding the contribution of freedom fighters in Goa’s freedom struggle under the guidance of ASI and other subject matter experts.
GTDC is undertaking this development through central financial assistance of Rs 25.84 crore at the total plot area of 116225 sq mts. The proposed components for development includes, freedom struggle through light and sound show, barracks development, water fountain, digital museum, prison cell for photography etc.
