MAPUSA
Stating that the government has plans to develop a hinterland tourism circuit under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Thursday informed the House that the project will start from Porvorim and move towards Mayem lake and further North.
Khaunte also said that all the projects coming in the circuit will be completed within three years once the Union Ministry for Tourism sanctions the funds.
“It is envisaged to develop a hinterland tourism circuit commencing from Porvorim moving towards Mayem lake, Divar Island, Harvalem, Tambdi Surla etc. A pre-project report has been sent to the Ministry of Tourism for their approval for obtaining funds to the tune of Rs 100 crores,” Khaunte said.
The Tourism Minister was responding to Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye's query on whether the government had plans to start hinterland tourism in Bicholim.
Khaunte said the department has planned to develop the large scale infrastructure through the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 which will comprise theme park, wellness facilities, adventure sports, backwaters, hinterland terminus, eco-tourism destination, spiritual and cultural centre in Bicholim taluka.
“Treks are also proposed in hinterland areas of Bicholim during the monsoon season,” he said.
He said the tourism department through GTDC Project cell has identified the following places for hinterland tourism: Mayem Lake and adjacent area, development of Harvalem falls and beautification & providing tourist facilities at Rudreshwar temple Premises, Pandava Caves at Harvalem, Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve, Sal/Dhumashe hinterland tourism and Vitthal temple in Sanquelim.
The Tourism Minister informed that GTDC has approximately 1,60,000 sq mts area surrounding the lake at Mayem.
“The department had renovated and developed the surrounding area of the Mayem lake and provided facilities like parking, ticket counter, garden, souvenir shops, mirror maze, cafeteria, toilet block, walkway, boating, etc at a cost of Rs 16 crore in an area of 13,332 sq mts in first phase,” he said.
He further disclosed that a bungee jumping facility has also commenced at Mayem lake which attracts adventure seeking tourists while boating and allied activities will commence post monsoon season.
“In the second phase, GTDC has approved a proposal to invite tenders from eligible applicants to develop a good hotel, theme park, convention facilities, restaurants etc on Joint Venture Mode at Mayem and tenders are likely to be floated soon,” Khuante said.
