VALPOI
Built to house visitors attracted to the area, a tourist complex at Keri-Sattari is now attracting and housing visitors of a different kind: anti-social elements and wildlife. A complex consisting of four tourist cottages was constructed at Keri-Sattari in 2002 as part of the government's bid to promote tourism activities in the hinterlands of Sattari taluka.
However, these cottages were neither inaugurated nor put to proper use and neglect over the past 15 years have left the cottages in deteriorated condition. The cottages are now surrounded by thick bushes and there is no water and power supply to the complex. Locals are now unhappy that the abandoned cottages are being used by anti-social elements and pointed out to the many discarded alcohol bottles at the site.
"The project is the result of carelessness by the tourism department after investing over Rs 1 crore. If the government is keen to promote hinterland tourism in the State, why have these cottages been neglected by authorities," asked social activist, Krishna Majik. "These cottages should not become a centre for anti-social elements. Authorities should seriously look into this problem," he added.
A youth, Vishnu Parodkar, blamed tourism authorities for its lack of vision to properly utilise the cottages for tourism activities. "Keri area is getting developed mainly due to the Goa-Belagavi road which passes through Keri village. Many tourists visit this area for the natural beauty of Chorla Ghat, especially during the rainy season, but there are no facilities for tourists to stay and these cottages could have been beneficial to them," said Parodkar.
Many locals also questioned the government's failure to renovate the cottages despite repeated demands from local MLA Pratapsing Rane since the last 10 years.
When contacted, Keri Sarpanch Laxman Gawas said Poriem MLA Pratapsing Rane has been seriously pursuing the matter since the last few years. "He had drawn the government's attention to this problem in the Assembly many times, but nothing has happened. Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar had also assured to renovate the project within a year," said Gawas.
"This issue has dominated the Keri gram sabha many times and a special resolution will be passed in the forthcoming gram sabha to demand renovation of the tourism cottages as early as possible," said Gawas.
Govt assured to renovate cottages, says Pratapsing Rane
VALPOI: Poriem MLA Pratapsing Rane said the government has assured to renovate the tourist cottages at Keri-Sattari and is confident that the project will boost tourism in the area.
Speaking to The Goan, Rane said the government had assured him in the Assembly to renovate the building within one year. "Hopefully, it will be done because this project will boost development in the area. Employment opportunities can be created, while self-employment facilities will also get a boost," said Rane.
"I had taken up this project to provide amenities to tourists visiting the area. I am really passionate about this good project, which was constructed by spending over Rs 1 crore. However, suspicious activities are taking place in the area and the government should seriously look into it," said Rane.
