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    Coastal circuit project in Goa gets Centres nod

    Synopsis

    Goa Tourism's coastal circuit project under the 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' has been approved by the Centre and soon funds will be allocated.

    PTI
    PANAJI: Goa Tourism's coastal circuit project under the 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' has been approved by the Centre and soon funds will be allocated under various components for development projects to be undertaken in the first phase along the coastal belt of the state, according to Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar.

    "The Rs 99.99 crore Central Financial Assistance (CFA) is a record highest allocation received by Goa Tourism since 2010 when it had received an amount of Rs 40 crore," Parulekar told reporters here yesterday.

    The coastal circuit projects in talukas of Bardez and Pernem, in addition to coastal areas across the state will be covered under the first phase of funding, he said.

    Parulekar said that Goa was the first among the seven states to be considered for funding under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee at a meeting held recently in New Delhi on March 18, 2016.

    "Some of the projects proposed in Bardez under the coastal circuit development plan include improvement of infrastructure facilities like parking, illumination and providing handicap friendly access from the parking lot to the beach at Calangute, beautification of the Calangute market circle and taxi stand...," the minister said.

    "In Pernem, the project includes providing handicap friendly access and illumination across the creek at Junaswada beach and Mandren beach at Pernem, development of MorjimKhind and development of Ashwem beach," he added.

    The minister said the project components also include providing infrastructure at various coastal areas in the state like tourist information centres at Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Morjim and Ashwem, public amenities at 10 beaches (37 blocks), providing CCTVs and wi-fi, safety and security measures and providing tourism signages.
    "Another major component includes development of Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include upgradation and improvement of the Aguada helipad, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at the Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, café and a lot more," the minister said.

    Coastal and Spiritual Tourism ar "Another major component includes development of Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include upgradation and improvement of the Aguada helipad, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at the Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, café and a lot more," the minister said.

    Coastal and Spiritual Tourism are the most pre-dominant sectors needing more attention in terms of basic infrastructure and creation of a clear circuit.

    "While funds have been sanctioned under the coastal circuit, the proposal for funds under the spiritual circuit will be forwarded next to the Union Ministry of Tourism," Parulekar stated.

    "The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of the Ministry of Tourism with the aim to fund projects that fall under the gamut of touristic potential due to its history, heritage, cultural importance as well as innovation," said Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation.

    "After disappointment faced in the Smart City project, we are elated with the success achieved by GTDC in obtaining CFA under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This is due to the tireless efforts of the officials and engineers of the GTDC.

    Proposals for additional funding to the tune of Rs 100 crore each will be submitted under river circuits, spiritual circuits and heritage and tribal circuits," he said.

    Darashaw & Company Pvt. Ltd, lead consultant for the projects Aalap Bansal said this development proposal, submission and approval has been achieved in record time.

    "The Ministry approved it speedily, as the proposal creates infrastructure provisions in the state, and aligns with the Swadesh Darshan scheme's vision, objective and mission. The second phase of the Detailed Project Report has been submitted and is under review by the Ministry.

    The third phase of the report will be finalised and submitted in the coming months.

    This is exciting and we are looking forward to experience the results of all the innovative conceptualisation and ideation," he added. PTI CORR DKe the most pre-dominant sectors needing more attention in terms of basic infrastructure and creation of a clear circuit.

    "While funds have been sanctioned under the coastal circuit, the proposal for funds under the spiritual circuit will be forwarded next to the Union Ministry of Tourism," Parulekar stated.

    "The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of the Ministry of Tourism with the aim to fund projects that fall under the gamut of touristic potential due to its history, heritage, cultural importance as well as innovation," said Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation.

    "After disappointment faced in the Smart City project, we are elated with the success achieved by GTDC in obtaining CFA under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This is due to the tireless efforts of the officials and engineers of the GTDC.

    Proposals for additional funding to the tune of Rs 100 crore each will be submitted under river circuits, spiritual circuits and heritage and tribal circuits," he said.

    Darashaw & Company Pvt. Ltd, lead consultant for the projects Aalap Bansal said this development proposal, submission and approval has been achieved in record time.

    "The Ministry approved it speedily, as the proposal creates infrastructure provisions in the state, and aligns with the Swadesh Darshan scheme's vision, objective and mission. The second phase of the Detailed Project Report has been submitted and is under review by the Ministry.

    The third phase of the report will be finalised and submitted in the coming months.

    This is exciting and we are looking forward to experience the results of all the innovative conceptualisation and ideation," he added.


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