Tourism Minister pitches for self-generating model
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira in a conversation while conducting an inspection of the Pomburpa Spring on Monday. Panchayat members and Tourism Department officials were also present.
MAPUSA
Emphasising the need for a self-generating model to ensure the sustainability of Pomburpa spring, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday assured to take up the renovation and improvement of the popular tourist spot in Bardez.
Khaunte also said that citizens using government facilities should act in a responsible manner so that the project is maintained well.
“The focus should be to set up a project that is self-generating and therefore can be sustained in the long run. Our plan is to restore the lost glory of the Pomburpa spring and also ensure that it is maintained well. We have asked the panchayat to submit a proposal on how to redevelop the spring,” Khaunte said.
He further said that the consultant has been asked to identify any shortcomings like lack of toilets, changing rooms, children's park, parking of vehicles and other amenities.
“We will try to tender the work within the next two months after the consultant holds discussions with the MLA and other stakeholders," he said.
The Tourism Minister was speaking after inspecting the spring along with Aldona MLA, Carlos Ferreira, local panchayat members and the officials of the tourism department.
Continuing, Khaunte said Pomburpa Spring was very popular among the people of Bardez but has been in bad shape for quite some time and needs improvement.
“GTDC had undertaken renovation works around 12 years ago. It needs a lot of renovation. More importantly, we need a self-generating model to make it financially sustainable. This will ensure that the facility is maintained well,” he said.
According to Aldona MLA, renovation of Pomburpa spring was a long-standing demand from locals as it was completely neglected.
"This spring water is known for its medicinal properties and hence it is popular. However, locals complain of unwanted activities by miscreants. The spring is in a dilapidated condition. We will put forth a proposal for improvement with renovation,” Ferreira said.
