MARGAO
Will the world famous Colva beach get the much-needed facelift as the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has proposed development of Colva beach under “Development of Iconic Tourist Destination scheme Ministry of Tourism?
And, will the traditional fishermen get a slice of the tourism cake as the GTDC has set its eyes on the acquired area which is presently playing host to fishing activities of the local communities?
That’s not all. Will the GTDC put a plan in place to maintain the beach square which has been craving attention, more so after it was developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme?
These and other questions have come to the fore as officials of the GTDC and the Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas had last month discussed the state of affairs at the iconic beach for want of maintenance. “I have stressed on the involvement of the local fishing community by incorporating a fishing village in the area earmarked under the iconic beach for the amphitheatre,” he said.
The traditional fishing community has been using the acquired land for fishing activities such as drying of fish, storage of fish and salt et al. “Given that the area earmarked under the iconic beach is presently playing host to the fishermen huts, I have insisted on the need to incorporate a fishing village with some nominal fees to fishermen and make them part of the project,” he added.
After a presentation on the Development of Colva beach under the Development of Iconic Tourist Destination scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, the MLA expressed his concern about the maintenance of the existing plants and gardens as well as the Illumination, which has been craving for attention.
He pointed out that more than 30 per cent of lights are not in working condition and it has to be maintained by the existing agency at least for a period of one year. Officials informed that under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a private operator has to be appointed and given the work of operations, maintenance and cleaning of parking areas, etc, which is in progress.
It was also pointed out that the high mast at the Colva beach has been found hanging and needs to be relocated. The space at the centre of traffic Island is devoid of any statue. Hence it was decided to put up any lights or so.
The MLA stressed on the need to make cleaning as part of the tender with monitoring process.
He demanded that all job contracts such as line items like CCTV cameras, etc should be mentioned in the contract and given to contractors of Goan origin while tendering.
The hawker zone was also discussed and the MLA insisted on providing kiosks for already existing hawker/vendors, registered with statutory bodies.
The GTDC consultant presented and explained the developed Master Plan of Colva parking and related infrastructure built under the “Swadesh Darshan Scheme” of Ministry of Tourism. After reviewing the presentation, the MLA called for the appointment of an operator for operation and maintenance of Colva parking on immediate basis and to incorporate stringent clauses for cleanliness, safety and maintenance on developed infrastructure while appointing operator.
He demanded that the tender shall promote appointment of local Goan operators and vendors for existing registered business of hawkers such as coconut water sellers and or shacks; restaurants should be part of the project and should be integrated and accommodated.
