The Portuguese-era Aguada central jail here would be developed for tourism purpose only, the state Tourism department today said, brushing aside possibilities of converting a portion of its premises into a detention centre for overstaying foreigners.
"We have taken up (work to prepare) a master plan for developing entire area, including jail and plateau at Aguada, into a tourism centre. There is no question of allowing it to be used as detention centre for foreigners illegally staying here," state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told PTI.
The Aguada central jail no longer houses prisoners and all the inmates have been shifted to other centers like Mapusa sub jail and newly-constructed Colvale correction centre (prison).
"The activities only related to tourism would be allowed at Aguada. We have taken up the work of complete maintenance of the area," Parulekar said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta told reporters yesterday that the police department has moved a proposal to the state government, requesting them to allow a part of the jail to be converted into detention centre.
Last year, 72 foreigners were deported, including 16 Russians and 10 Britons, he said.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral said there was no possibility of allowing any detention centre at Aguada.
"The state cabinet has already passed a resolution giving its nod to the proposal converting this place into a tourism hub. There is no question of anyone staking claim on it," Cabral said.
On July 1, Goa cabinet approved the proposal of the state tourism development corporation to convert the Portuguese-era Aguada jail into a heritage tourism spot under the central government's 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme which was launched for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
Union Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned Rs 25.85 crore for this project, which will convert this erstwhile prison into Heritage Tourism destination.
The Director of Archives and Archaeology has suggested that the premises be developed as a museum of freedom struggle considering the historic value of the precinct.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation, in its statement earlier this year, had said the erstwhile central jail will soon be developed on lines with Dhangshai Jail of Himachal Pradesh and cellular Jail of Andaman.
