Goa tourism policy by October

NT NETWORK

PANAJI

Tourism Minister, Manohar ‘Babu’ Ajgaonkar on Tuesday informed the state assembly that the government will declare the tourism policy of the state in the next three months.

Replying on demands on tourism, Ajgaonkar said that the work of drafting the tourism policy is under the process and the government will take all the stakeholders into confidence before finalising the policy. The minister said that the work of preparing a tourism master plan is also underway.

Stating that it is the duty of the government to develop various tourist spots besides providing best facilities and safety to the tourists visiting the state, the Tourism Minister warned that the government will not tolerate any kind of misbehaviour by tourists on the state’s beaches.

“The government is providing lifeguard service under the Drishti Life Saving Agency on all beaches due to which many lives have been saved. Some tourists are misbehaving and venturing into the sea during late hours. I think the tourists must also follow the guidelines,” he said.

On beach cleaning contract, the minister said, “The department is in the process of consultation with an empanelled consultant on finalising tender for beach cleaning. Once it is finalised, we will ensure that proper beach cleaning management is put in place. Currently, the beach cleaning contract has been given to Drishti Life Saving Agency on temporary basis.”

Pointing out that the government is committed to protect the natural beauty of Goa and ‘Goenkarponn’ while promoting tourism in the state with new services like ropeways, amphibious service, seaplanes etc, Ajgaonkar said that tourism would also be promoted in talukas like Sattari, Quepem and Sanguem.

The minister further said that teams of tourism officials have been appointed to keep a watch on beaches so as to avoid illegal activities and added that the government will try to install CCTV cameras on
beaches.