Coastal circuit project in Goa gets Centres nod

Panaji, Apr 2: 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.

PTI