MAPUSA
Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Tuesday insisted that only those tourists who have been fully vaccinated with both doses and those with an RT-PCR negative certificate should be allowed to enter the State.
Speaking to reporters after distributing saplings and manure to farmers in Parra, Lobo said he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, as tourists have begun arriving in the State.
Admitting that several livelihoods are dependent on tourism, Lobo said the industry would have to be reopened in the near future, but insisted on exercising caution and taking stakeholders into confidence.
“The tourism industry will have to be reopened in future, but only those tourists who have been fully vaccinated with both doses and those with an RT-PCR negative certificate should be allowed to enter the State,” said Lobo.
"I'll speak to the chief minister and request him to bring this up at the next cabinet meeting. The virus is still there and people are dying from the disease. In such a situation, the government should take a careful decision after discussing it with all stakeholders like tourism operators and elected representatives.”
The minister also assured to get authorities to ensure strict checking of Covid negative certificates of passengers arriving in the State by rail.
"If any lapses are found, I will request the chief minister to take action against the officials concerned,” said Lobo.
Speaking about the event in Parra on Tuesday, Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo said manure from the Saligao garbage treatment plant and saplings have been distributed to farmers from Parra without any cost. Other panch members were also present at the event.
