CENTRAL FUNDING FOR TOURISM
PANAJI
The Tourism Department’s ambitious projects including the infrastructure under the ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’, Rs 211-crore safety initiative under the Nirbhaya Fund and ropeway are purportedly caught in 'various challenges' such as pending Central funding.
The eight major projects envisioned to elevate Goa’s standing as a world-class tourist destination, are worth Rs 1,450 crore. Desperate for progress, the Tourism Department has turned to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expedite the approval of these projects and the subsequent release of Central funds.
“Department of Tourism/ Goa Tourism Development Corporation has proposed and submitted a number of DPRs to the Union Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for undertaking various tourism-related projects in the State. However, various challenges are being witnessed by the department in availing central funds and executing the projects wherein intervention of CM is required,” reads an extract of the formal appeal submitted to CM.
The remaining eight proposals include the construction of a Parshuram Museum, an oceanarium and aviation hub at Quitol, tribal infrastructure development in Canacona, wayside roadside amenities along highways and a tourist village development scheme.
One of the most pressing initiatives is the beach safety project under the Nirbhaya Fund, for enhancing security for tourists and women on 50 prominent beaches. With a proposed budget of Rs 211 crore, the plan includes comprehensive surveillance cameras, a public address system, a control room for live-streaming and real-time variable message displays.
Official sources confirmed to The Goan that the project faces various challenges. “The DPR sent by the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development has been scrutinized by the Union Ministry of Tourism and has sent several observations to the Department of Tourism which are being complied with. The replies/ clarifications will shortly be sent to the Union Ministry of Tourism for consideration. Subsequently, upon consideration, it will forward the DPR to the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development for sanctioning,” the official said.
Hence, the department has sought CM’s intervention “for expediting the sanction” citing that the projects hold significance in view of the safety and security of women visiting the beaches.
The ropeway project connecting Dona Paula to Vasco da Gama, the infrastructure facilities for temples covered under the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra and the Tourist Village Development Scheme also awaits sanction.
