Says will not tolerate tourists who create nuisance
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressing a gathering at a function in Parra late Friday evening. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik and other dignitaries were also present.
Some hostile elements from outside the country were responsible to halt mining operations in the State, disclosed Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and warned that the same external forces were now working overtime to stop the tourism industry in the State.
Sawant also said the government would focus on quality tourists and will not tolerate the riff-raff who inconvenienced the locals.
“Some forces outside the country were working to stop the mining business in Goa. We all know how Goa’s economy suffered after mining was shut down 10 years ago. Now, the same forces were working to stop the tourism industry in the State. We will have to remain alert to fight against such inimical forces,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering as chief guest at the ‘Festival of Stars’, a competition organised by the Parra Citizens Forum Association on the occasion of Christmas at Parra. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, sarpanchas, panchayat members and other dignitaries were also present.
Continuing, Sawant said Goa was not only a tourist destination but the tourism capital of India and hoped that good tourists will come to the State in large numbers.
“We need quality tourists to come to Goa. We will not tolerate tourists who create nuisance and cause inconvenience to the local people. We should welcome good tourists. As we welcome the New Year 2023, let’s send a message to the world that Goa is not only a tourism destination but the tourism capital of India,” he said.
He further said the government and the Tourism Department was working in tandem to maintain law and order but acknowledged that sometimes local residents will have to bear inconvenience on account of the rush of tourists in the State particularly in the peak season.
“If we get cooperation from the people then we can carry on with sustainable tourism in the State and tourists will keep coming here,” he said.
The chief minister said the double engine government has developed various facilities for the next 50 years in Goa through the Mopa Airport, Zuari Bridge and the Ayush Hospital.
“If we want to maintain the tourist flow for the next 50 years then it is our responsibility,” he said.
He also said that protecting Goa’s greenery and environment was the responsibility of everyone and not only of the government.
“If we do not protect our greenery and environment then tourists will not come to Goa. Keeping the surrounding clean is the responsibility of everyone,” he said.
