Captured by : Govt earmarks Rs 8-10 crore to develop Baina beach, Vasco constituency and Bogmalo beach
VASCO
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar on Monday evening stated that the government has earmarked about Rs 8-10 crore towards development of Baina beach, the Vasco constituency and Bogmalo beach.
As part of the mega plan to develop and promote tourism and coastal circuits, Goa Tourism and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) laid foundation stone for the development of Vasco city and the beautification of Baina beach.
“Of the Rs 8-10 crore, Rs 2.29 crore is being approved to carry out the first phase of Baina beach beautification project,” he informed.
Parulekar was speaking after unveiling the plaque for the beautification of Baina beach in the presence of Power Minister Milind Naik, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman Nilesh Cabral, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Deepak Naik, Baina Ravindra Bhavan chairman Shekar Khadapkar, GTDC managing director Nikhil Desai and councillors.
“We have unveiled the plaque for beautification of first phase of Baina beach and once the first phase is completed, we will take up the remaining part of the beautification of the beach,” said Parulekar.
Parulekar said the beach will be fully beautified within next two years and it will be in par with beaches of Calangute and Baga. Parulekar requested MMC and general public to maintain the beautification and cleanliness of the beach.
“We have forwarded a proposal of Rs 100 crore to the Central government to develop inland waterways and once the proposal is approved, we will also carry out development of inland waterways,” he said.
“When our government took over, tourism growth was 4% and within one-and-half years the growth shot up to 13% and presently the tourism growth is 30.03%,” he informed.
Parulekar said Baina beach is a very popular beach and tourists throng this beach belt to enjoy water sports activities and other cultural programmes organised from time to time.
“It is our endeavour to provide adequate facilities for the tourists at Baina beach, which will also bring Vasco in the limelight just as Panaji, Margao and Mapusa have progressed through the development of beaches namely Miramar, Colva and Calangute respectively.”
Speaking on the occasion, Milind Naik said beautification of the beach will be complete in next 6-7 months.
“Once the beach is beautified, it will be one of the best beaches in Goa,” said Naik.
Allaying the fears of fishermen residing at Baina, Naik said the fishermen would not be troubled during the beautification work.
Cabral said despite facing difficulties, the beautification of Baina beach will finally start and besides the locals, tourists visiting the beach will be able to enjoy the new look of the beach.
The project will cover an area of 7,500 sq mtrs and 450 mtrs of the beach belt. The beautification works include development of pathways, pergolas, seating, landscaping, illumination and retaining walls. The second phase will include providing toilets, shower facilities, etc.
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Almeida urges to take over Grande Island
VASCO: Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida on Monday requested Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and the GTDC to take over the Grande Island and convert it into a tourism spot.
“Tourists from North to South Goa visit the Grande Island with the help of boats operated by the locals to see different types of coral at the seabed and the Navy is harassing the tourists,” claimed Almeida, while speaking during a function to unveil the plaque for the beautification of Baina beach.
Parulekar, however, refused to comment on Almeida's request.
