PANAJI
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao urged the government to ensure that eco-tourism initiatives in Goa do not come at the cost of the environment, calling for the creation of a nodal agency to coordinate tourism, environmental protection, and waste management under a single platform.
During a discussion on a starred question tabled by MLA Aleixo Lourenco, Alemao warned that unregulated tourism activities could damage fragile ecosystems and stressed the need for a structured mechanism bringing all related departments together to effectively monitor and manage eco-tourism.
Amid a verbal exchange of LoP with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the minister said the government is drafting a comprehensive eco-tourism policy that will integrate various departments and guide future initiatives. He said suggestions from all 40 MLAs and other stakeholders will be taken into consideration before the policy is finalised.
Khaunte added that restricted and ticketed entry systems have already been introduced at some tourism sites to regulate visitor numbers. He also stressed that both tourists and locals must act responsibly while accessing natural locations.
Earlier in the discussion, Lourenco sought details of areas identified for eco-tourism and asked whether studies had been conducted before promoting such sites. He also raised concerns that development in the name of eco-tourism could lead to construction activities that may harm natural habitats.
The minister noted that several sensitive locations are not officially promoted by the Tourism or Forest departments, yet continue to attract visitors, including students and youth who enter nearby water bodies without regulation.
