Govt trying expeditiously to utilize Rs7.47cr sanctioned by Centre

PANAJI: The state government is trying to expeditiously utilize the Rs7.47 crore sanctioned by the Union ministry of tourism for various tourism developmental projects in Old Goa in order to prevent the funds going back to the Centre.
Official sources told TOI that the Union ministry of tourism had sanctioned ` 7.47 crore for various tourism-related projects in Old Goa almost two years ago, but the projects were not executed due to lack of clearances from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the church authorities in Goa.Now the tourism secretary will convene a meeting of the above stakeholders to sort out the issue so that the projects can be undertaken and the funds utilized expeditiously.
The biggest project in the entire scheme is the development around the Basilica of Bom Jesus at an estimated cost of ` 3.78 crore. The finer details of the project are still being worked out but it basically involves landscaping the area, illuminating the grounds and construction of pathways.
Another project, at an estimated cost of ` 2.22 crore, is the development of two existing parking lots at Old Goa. Sources said the parking lots are located near the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The two parking lots on either side of the main road will be developed and illumination will be provided in view of the huge number of tourists visiting the place.
The government also plans to build a pilgrim centre at Old Goa at a cost of ` 66 lakh. The centre will be handed over to the church authorities to be utilized for the benefit of pilgrims visiting Old Goa. The jetty on the Mandovi river at Old Goa will also be developed at an estimated cost of ` 61 lakh. This is to offer tourists and pilgrims a choice of visiting Old Goa by the river route.
In addition, the government is also planning to undertake illumination of the churches of St Augustine ( ` 24 lakh) and the church of St Cajetan (` 23 lakh). The St Cajetan church will also get a face-lift through repairs of its structure. Sources said the government is looking forward to receiving the co-operation of the church authorities along with the co-operation of the ASI by way of the necessary clearances, so that the funds may be utilized.