Differences are simmering within the BJP-led Goa government on handing over of Portuguese-era Aguada jail premises which is proposed to be converted into a detention centre for foreigners illegally staying in the state.
Days after a senior police official said the Home department has allowed portion of Aguada jail to be used as detention centre, the tourism department has refused any such move, claiming that the entire property has been handed over to them.
"The property is already transferred to Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). How can (state) Home department stake its claim on it?," GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral said today.
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"If the Home department wants, they can utilise the part of newly constructed correction facility (prison) at Colvale. There is enough space at Colvale to have detention centre," Cabral added.
The GTDC chairman ruled out the possibility of starting a detention centre at Aguada jail, which is currently being developed into a world class tourist spot.
"Tourists will not come at Aguada if there is a detention centre here. There is always a fear factor when it comes to jail. Prison and tourism don't go well with each other," he said.
Recently, Deputy Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta had said that the Home department has allowed portion of Aguada jail to be used as detention centre where around 30 individuals can be kept.
Aguada prison located across river Mandovi near here, was used as a prison till May 30 last year.
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