PORVORIM
Slamming the forest department's circular banning entry to the waterfalls during monsoon, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday said he would meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane to resolve the issue.
Addressing the media in Porvorim, Khaunte criticised a “Delhi-based officer” for imposing such a ban, which was devoid of merit.
“It is unfair for the Forest Department to ban entry to tourists and locals at waterfalls during the monsoon. We have to designate waterfalls which are dangerous and they should be banned for public entry,” said Khaunte.
“Goa is a tourist destination and tourists visit Goa during monsoon to enjoy the beauty of nature. Locals also visit waterfalls during monsoon. If a blanket ban is imposed prohibiting entry to all waterfalls then a wrong message will go out to tourists and there will be a substantial drop of tourists in Goa.”
Stating that several traders and kiosks owners located near waterfalls depend on tourists for their livelihood, Khaunte said they would be affected badly if a ban is made effective.
Insisting that there should be proper coordination between the tourism and forest departments, Khaunte said he would raise the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Forest Minister Viswajit Rane and sort out the matter in a day or two.
“No doubt security and safety of people should be our concern, but once this is taken care of there is no need to impose a ban. Some people go to private or government quarries which are not easily accessible. The government cannot be held responsible if casualties take place at such locations,” said Khaunte.
TOURISM ACT
The minister said Goa needs a sound Tourism Act which includes progressive reforms.
“We have obtained a draft of the Tourism Act prepared by a Telangana company which we have placed before the public for their information and views. This draft contains all the progressive reforms required to boost the tourism. Once the views of all stakeholders are received, this draft will be finalised,” said Khaunte.
HINTERLAND FESTIVALS
Reacting to Opposition criticising the government for sanctioning funds to promote Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao festivals, Khaunte said there is nothing wrong in encouraging the such festivals.
“Under Regenerative Tourism, there is a need to promote these festivals in the hinterland. The Chikhal Kalo mud festival is associated with Devki Krishna and the Sao Joao festival is celebrated practically in every village. The tourism department cannot be restricted to Carnival and Shigmo festivals alone. We have to showcase our tradition and other popular festivals to tourists,” said Khaunte.
