CORTALIM
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) on Tuesday urged the locals of Cansaulim, Arossim and Cuelim (CAC) not to get swayed by anti-government factions on the issue of helicopter joy rides.
GTDC has also advised the locals to consider this new tourism initiative as an advantage and a boon for the area and surrounding villages.
Responding to criticism from Cansaulim Village Action Committee (CVAC) and Cansaulim Arossim Cuelim Civic Consumer Forum (CACCCF), GTDC issued a statement clarifying that there was nothing illegal about the helicopter joy rides.
“The operators (Pawan Hans), a Govt of India enterprise, has got the required statutory clearances/permissions from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Navy, District Administration, Airport Authority and the police to conduct commercial heli-joy ride services from its current base in South Goa.”
The GTDC further pointed out that Pawan Hans has a similar service in neighbouring Maharashtra (Mumbai), where the joy rides are a huge success.
“Goa is fortunate to have such a service introduced as an activity for tourists in the State,” said GTDC General Manager, Sanjay Chodnekar.
“The helicopter joy rides being operational from a South Goa based starred hotel at Arossim since February 14 has already received a good response,” informed Chodnekar.
GTDC further pointed out that locals of Cansaulim, Arossim, Cuelim, Majorda and Utorda should capitalise on this new tourism initiative, as it will not only improve the profile of the villages, but also boost employment opportunities of the local industry stakeholders.
Chodnekar further said that under the Goa Panchayati Raj Act, local village panchayats have no jurisdiction whatsoever, as far as helicopter rides are concerned, and hence, GTDC has not approached the local village panchayat for any permissions, as the same is not required by law.
The statement issued by GTDC added that objections raised by the two groups from Cansualim Arossim and Cuelim are baseless and categorically stated that helicopter joy rides would continue from the South Goa based starred hotel at Arossim.
