Oceanarium proposed for State: Union Minister

Says Centre will fund tourism in States

THE GOAN NETWORK | AUGUST 17, 2022, 12:02 AM IST

PANAJI

Stating that the Centre has received a proposal from Goa for an oceanarium project in the State, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik stated that he has informed Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to plan such types of projects and submit the same to the Central government.

Naik provided the information when he was questioned on the projects being promoted by the Centre in the State.

“I held a meeting with the tourism minister and have asked him to submit proposals for around 2-3 projects like development of the Carambolim Lake. We also have received a proposal from the State government for an oceanarium project in Goa,” he stated.

“Being close to the sea, an oceanarium will help people in exploring marine life and it could be developed into a tourist spot. Such types of projects could be planned by the State government and the Centre will extend all help as Goa is known as a world tourist destination,” Naik stated.

When questioned whether the tourism sector will see revival considering that the Covid situation is not that severe, Naik said he expects the arrival of foreign tourists to increase as the tourists are eager to come to India.

“But it all depends not only on the Covid situation in India but also in the foreign countries as well. Some restrictions could be imposed on arrivals of tourists from foreign countries depending on the Covid situation there,” the Union Minister informed.

“We definitely need to increase tourism, business, economy but at the same time we should take precautions as far as health sector is concerned. The Covid situation is still fluctuating and will have to keep an eye. Though it is not severe precautions still need to be taken,” Naik opined.

When questioned on the promotion of tourism, Naik informed that the Centre is willing to provide all financial assistance to the state governments as far as increasing tourism in their respective states is concerned.

“To increase tourism in each state is the responsibility of all state governments. However, the Centre will provide 100% funding for tourism projects planned by the states,” he added.

“Under the PRASAD scheme, the Centre offers total development of ASI monuments. Also, under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme funds are allotted for development of touristic areas. Apart from that, there is a scheme for development of iconic tourist spots like Taj Mahal where all facilities are provided,” Naik informed and stated that under these three schemes, all developmental activities are covered and whatever budget that needs to be provided to the State is provided by the Centre.

“Earlier, under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme small projects were taken up but now Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the scheme and only those projects of over Rs 50 crore are being taken up. Last year, we took around 76 such projects of which 40 have been completed and the rest are in the process of completion. This year, too, we will take up the same number of projects,” he said.


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