Submit report to Chief Minister enlisting several issues
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: While the Opposition benches have been crying hoarse over exorbitant expenditure on promoting Goa as a tourism destination, through road shows and travel marts in Europe, the department has spent a whooping Rs 6.5 crore on two mega events this year in Goa itself ~ Shigmo and Carnival.
The on-going 14-day Shigmotsav has a projected expenditure of Rs 2 crore, and Carnival and the food and cultural festival held between February 9-12, cost the government Rs 4.50 crore ~ Rs 3.48 crore for carnival and the food and cultural festival in Panjim and Rs 20 lakh plus prize money, which was given as grants to Panjim carnival committee.
Sources informed that tourism industry stakeholders have expressed displeasure over the organisation of Carnival and have been critical of the whooping costs.
Tourism ministry has justified the expenditure on Carnival and food fest citing that it was organised professionally with public participation .
Critical issues in the report
* While other cities were also to be decked up for Carnival like Panjim, only emphasis was given to Panjim décor
* Barricading was of poor quality and came off even before the Carnival parade started
* Events envisaged for Calangute and Colva were not held
* Flooring at the food & cultural fest venue was uneven and parking area was dusty
