Latest news with #SwadeshDarshan2.0
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Key Colva units still not connected to STP
Colva: When chief minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Colva sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Jan, he had set a clear deadline of March 31 for all commercial establishments and households to be connected to the STP, failing which their water supply would be cut off. But five months have passed, and the deadline has quietly slipped. Nearly 30 commercial establishments under the tourism department along the Colva creek are yet to connect to the STP. Most notably, the Colva Residency, a flagship Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) property with over 50 rooms and a restaurant, is still off the grid. 'Even govt properties haven't complied. If this is the pace at which things move, how can we expect the public to take the initiative?' said one official overseeing the plant operations. The Colva STP, with a capacity of 7.5 million litres per day (MLD), was commissioned after a decade-long wait, at an investment of Rs 23 crore. Rs 11 crore is being spent on laying an 11km sewerage pipeline network. Technical assistant Sheetal Jagdari, who oversees commercial connections to the plant from the PWD (sewerage), said letters were sent to the tourism department's commercial units along the creek. In response, proprietors presented a letter from Rajesh Kale, deputy director of tourism (revenue), dated Sep 2024. The letter cited plans under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to demolish and redevelop tourist shopping complexes, with work expected to begin by Dec 2024. Consequently, all current leases would be terminated, and shop owners were asked to vacate by Nov. 'Using this as justification, they're reluctant to apply for connections,' Jagdari said. Ironically, the shops continue to operate as usual, despite the impending redevelopment, buying time. Adding to the confusion is the case of Colva Residency. While GTDC's executive engineer E Balan asserts the property is connected to the STP, the PWD officials deny having any such records. Jagdari further revealed that a year ago, GTDC had only sent a handwritten request for connection. 'We asked them to follow official procedures. Since then, we've heard nothing.' The price may ultimately be paid by Colva's fragile environment and its overstretched infrastructure, said a local panch.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Address local issues before initiating new developments at Colva beach'
Colva: The Small and Medium Hotels Association has urged govt to address the long-standing issues faced by local businesses and the fishing community before initiating any new development projects at Colva beach. 'Colva beach, once known for its pristine charm that attracted people from all corners of Salcete, now lies in a state of neglect. This has led to a sharp decline in foreign tourist arrivals, particularly among the hippie crowd that once put Goa on the global tourism map,' Small and Medium Hotels Association vice president Dixon Vaz. Vaz, who is also Cavelossim sarpanch, said govt's recent announcement to develop Colva beach under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme must be preceded by consultations with local stakeholders. He said the local fishing community's concerns — especially regarding spaces for unloading and drying their daily catch — must be resolved first, with permanent solutions. He said govt should discuss the proposed developmental plans with key stakeholders, including restaurant and shack owners, taxi drivers, water sports operators, the public and the local panchayat. Vaz said he will also request the chief minister and the tourism minister to look into their grievances before proceeding with development initiatives.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Porvorim town square, creek circuit works to be ready by Mar '26: Khaunte
Panaji: With the cabinet approving the Porvorim town square and the development of a creek circuit, the tourism department hopes to issue the work order to Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd by next week, said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte. The minister said both projects will be completed by March 2026. Khaunte said Porvorim town square is inspired by New York's Times Square, San Francisco's Union Square, and London's Piccadilly Circus. 'When we travel around the world, we realise that open spaces are developed, where people come together and where activities are held,' said Khaunte. 'The Porvorim square will have a performance theatre, market area, musical fountains, movie court, heritage area, the Ashoka Stambh, and basement parking. ' The Porvorim town square is being built on three plots repossessed by govt from private developers after a legal battle and handed it to the tourism department. 'Work will start soon and should be completed by March 2026. The work order is to be issued next week. At the same time, work on the Porvorim creek will also start,' said Khaunte. Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, a rural circuit from Porvorim to Harvalem will be created, enhancing the Porvorim creek experience by encompassing Torda Creek, Malim Jetty, Virlosa, and Pomburpa Spring, and extending up to Harvalem, Khaunte said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo The minister said the proposal to revamp Colva under Swadesh Darshan is being finalised and will likely be placed before the cabinet next month. Also announced were the beautification of Porvorim creek and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi to boost cultural tourism. The press conference was attended by Shri Kedar Naik, director of tourism, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD GTDC, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager GTDC. The Porvorim town square, spread over 11,000sqm, is a first-of-its-kind heritage-linked public space aimed at promoting economic growth and year-round public programmes. Khaunte said nearly Rs 400 crore is being spent to revitalise Goa's tourist spaces with Central support under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment (SASCI) scheme.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cabinet nod for Porvorim town square, Ponda Shivaji museum
Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved the development of a town square in Porvorim. The project, to be executed at a cost of Rs 125 crore, aims to brand and market Goa on a global scale. The project is partly funded under the special assistance by Union tourism ministry, which has sanctioned Rs 90.7 crore for the project. The balance of Rs 35.3 crore will be provided by state govt. The Porvorim town square is one of three projects approved by state cabinet for Ms Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd. The other two are a creek experience in Porvorim, and a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum in Farmagudi. For the creek experience, the company will develop, operate, maintain, and manage the project. It will cost Rs 22 crore, and will be funded by Centre under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The Farmagudi museum will cost Rs 64 crore. The Porvorim town square will be built on a area of 10,922sqm, of which the tourism department has part possession of 4,185sqm, while the remaining land is yet to be handed to the department. Govt said the purpose of the the town square is to enhance economic growth, generate local employment, provide a platform for local artisans and artistes to exhibit their calibre and products, and 'offer a vibrant place in the state that can support year-round programmes and serve as a gathering place for the general public and tourists alike'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The Goa state works advisory board (GSWAB), under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, considered the works for the development of the town square. The project is approved by the Union ministry of tourism as a special assistance project. State govt had invited tenders in a two-bid format from approved and eligible contractors or firms of repute who have experience in successfully completing similar work and are registered under class I-AA (super) with Goa state PWD (buildings) or registered in a similar class and category of PWD (buildings) of other states of India. In response to the tender notice, two bidders participated, and their eligibility bids were opened on March 27 this year. The eligibility bids of the participating bidders were evaluated under the chairmanship of the chief engineer. As recommended by the board in its meeting held on May 8, 2025, the single quoted tender of Ms Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd, was approved.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Hoteliers seek central scheme benefits to improve business
Panaji: Faced with a scarcity of financial resources, low visibility, and infrastructural challenges, Goa's small and medium hoteliers have urged the tourism department to use the Centre's schemes to improve the situation. A proposal was submitted to the tourism director outlining how schemes like Swadesh Darshan , Prashad, solar incentives, Mudra, and Skill India could benefit the sector. The proposal details several key areas where central schemes could provide support. 'This segment requires strategic support to overcome structural challenges such as limited access to finance, lack of visibility, infrastructural gaps, and the need for eco-compliance. The tourism department must proactively engage with various Central govt schemes and align them with a localised roadmap for strengthening small and medium hoteliers,' said Santosh Divkar, the president of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association of Goa. The association highlighted the potential of the ministry of new and renewable energy's (MNRE) rooftop solar subsidy scheme for small hoteliers to adopt green energy practices and meet environmental regulations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что о вас может рассказать поза во время сна? Удивительные Новости Undo Divkar proposed the establishment of a green hospitality transition grant to provide a 50% capital subsidy under the MNRE's rooftop solar programme so that it aligns with benefits offered to domestic consumers. Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Prashad, the association suggests enabling the participation of smaller hotels in tourism circuit development and supporting village-level clusters for homestays and cultural accommodations. 'Funds could also be used for community rest areas, signage, and infrastructure in less popular destinations,' said Divkar. For green initiatives, beyond the solar subsidy, the proposal includes incentives for solar water heaters, energy-efficient lighting, and net metering. It also suggests promoting 'solar villages' powered by micro-enterprise homestay operators. To enhance compliance with environmental norms, Divkar suggested that the state must facilitate partnerships with agencies for eco-certification and subsidised provisions for composting, grey water reuse, and waste segregation infrastructure. Skill development is another urgent requirement, said Divkar. He recommended district-level training in housekeeping, online booking, local cuisine, and eco-tourism operations under central schemes like 'Hunar Se Rozgar', Skill India, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana. The latter could also upskill local artisans, he said. The association said that a digital onboarding drive to register smaller hotels on online platforms and the Goa tourism app will benefit the sector. Access to finance would be improved by promoting Mudra loans and utilising PMEGP for new or renovated homestays. Integrating agri-tourism through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), supporting women entrepreneurs, and enhancing disaster preparedness are also part of the association's comprehensive proposal. The SMHAG believes that a strategic alignment of central schemes with a localised roadmap is crucial for strengthening small and medium hoteliers in Goa.
