MAPUSA
Continuing with its effort to provide world-class amenities to tourists visiting the North Goa beach belt, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has thrown open luxurious public utility services along the coast of Baga in Calangute.
Public amenities such as tourist information centre, toilet blocks, changing room and parking facilities have been constructed in Baga at a cost of Rs 14.80 crore.
While toilet blocks and changing room facility have been constructed at the end of Tito’s lane, tourist information centre, toilet blocks, changing room and parking facilities have been provided on an area of 30,000 sq mts on Baga beach.
“The new facilities will be a boon to tourists who flock to Baga. Tourism is the backbone of the State and if more tourists come to Goa, locals and government will also benefit,” said Nilesh Cabral, Chairman of GTDC while inaugurating the project at Baga on Saturday.
The land which was waterlogged and remained unused for many years was taken up for development of parking lot, construction of tourist information centre, toilets and changing rooms for the benefit of tourists.
A total of 505 cars can be parked in the parking lot while a provision has been made to allow parking of 326 two-wheelers. While a provision for parking 20 buses has also been made in the parking lot, an area has been reserved for parking of another 200 cars at the same place.
Total length of road provided is 400 metres while the length of pathway is 900 metres. The whole area is under CCTV surveillance while an arrangement has been made with BSNL to provide free wi-fi services for tourists for around one hour.
Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo, disclosed that the then government had taken over the land of around 53,000 square metres in 1976 to create tourism facility in the area.
“After almost 40 years this land is being put to good use. We have land but what we require is the right kind of infrastructure,” Lobo said.
He disclosed plans to build multi-level parking and world-class stage for organizing concerts and other events in the area.
While the tourist information centre will provide necessary information, first aid and other help, the toilet block accommodates changing room, shower rooms and locker rooms.
The entire toilet block is fixed with 40 KLD sewage treatment plant even as treated water will be used for watering of the garden.
There is also provision for drinking water and ATM facility in the area.
The area also has a food court with 16 movable carts.
