Despite protests from locals, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) today began commercial operations of helicopter joy rides in the state.
GTDC has joined hands with Pawan Hans company for the helicopter joy rides from Panaji to Aguada helipad, located across river Mandovi.
"The commercial operations began today. We had a police security to ensure that no one disrupts the service," GTDC Managing Director Nikhil Desai told PTI.
The first flight took off at 1 PM and landed at Aguada helipad after flying the tourists over river Mandovi, Candolim beach and Old Goa church monuments.
Locals who are staying around Aguada plateau have been opposing heli-tourism claiming that it would affect their livelihood.
Local BJP MLA Michael Lobo and former Congress legislator Agnelo Fernandes are leading the protests, which are even supported by the Goa Church.
Meanwhile, Fernandes along with few locals met Goa Governor Mridula Sinha today and submitted a memorandum to her over the issue.
Lobo, who has joined hands with the protesters, said he has already informed Goa BJP president (Vinay Tendulkar) that people from his constituency are against the heli-tourism project.
"Goans do not want such artificial projects including helicopter ride, sea planes, ropeway, amphibious vehicle and others. In fact, tourism department should take initiative to get more foreign tourist in the state," he said.
"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, cafe 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, cafe 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 Cityproject, we are elated with thesuccess achieved by GTDC in obtaining CFA under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This is due to the tireless effortsofthe officials and engineersof the GTDC.
Proposalsfor additional fundingto the tune of Rs 100 crore each will be submittedunder 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.
