Staff Reporter
Panaji
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant unveiled the ‘Tapoloka’ Yog Kshetra (Yog Realm) promenade from the pedestrian arch bridge near the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) to the Children’s Park on Wednesday, under the project of restoration and protection of the Mandovi river coastline from the Miramar beach to the Youth Hostel and Kala Academy to the ESG, Panaji. The project is spearheaded by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd and implemented by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
The inauguration ceremony took place on the auspicious occasion of International Day of Yoga, highlighting the project’s first phase dedicated to yoga, which emphasises well-being, education, and the practice of yoga for individuals and communities at large.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his vision of Goa being recognised as ‘Yog Bhumi’ in the future, emphasised the state’s commitment to promoting the ancient discipline. While part 1 of the project has been unveiled on Wednesday, work is still underway.
The Chief Minister informed that the completed project will be inaugurated in a grand manner in the near future adding, “The government of Goa will extend its support to showcase and promote the project, with the aim of boosting tourism in the region.”
The Tapoloka Yog Kshetra features Sinha Dwar (lion gate), Yog Setu (bridge), Yog Stambh (pillar), Yog Dalan, Yog Mandal, Yog Path, Pranayam Kshetra, Astang Yog Kshetra, and the statue of ‘Gomantbhumi Janak Parshuram.’ The Astang Yog Kshetra is yet to be completed. The total cost of the ambitious project is Rs 33,68,06,755.
Minister for Revenue, Labour and Waste Management and Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate; EDC chairman Sadanand Shet Tanavade; Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji Rohit Monserrate; Chief Secretary and chairman of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, and managing director of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd Harish Adconkar were present on the occasion. The event was compered by Adhika Phaldesai.
Students from the Jyotirmay Yoga and Gymnastics Academy and the Shiv Sanskruti Pratishthan Dholtasha Pathak, Usgaon, also performed at the function.