The project outline
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| The Waterfront of Torda |
The beaches of Goa and the tourism ecosystem around it has built the brand Goa but it is the life away from the beaches that truly charms you in ways you cannot imagine.
It is like having an extra pair of Lungs, it soothes, inspires and drives your deep passions. Many walks through its narrow lanes under the full moon, while the sun rises or disappears behind the hills before it sets, have given clarity of thought, comforted and motivated me.
We are fortunate enough to be living in the hills of Porvorim, surrounded by beautiful villages all around, there is heritage, there is a bird sanctuary at its borders, also a network of beautiful estuaries
The planning authorities in their wisdom have always gone for grand projects that are mere posturing and pandering to a vote bank, such is the system, there have been grand announcements of helicopter tourism, seaplane tourism, many other large projects. The tourism minister of Goa is from our constituency and for his constituents he has got a gift of 2 large projects, the development of Torda riverfront and a 100 crore town square featuring multilevel car parking, amphitheatre and the works.
The proposed projects by itself is not the concern, it is what happens after the project is developed and ready, who maintains them, what is the revenue model that will sustain these projects, will these bleed funds like many others that have been developed and now lie in peril. The track record of Government managing projects is not impressive to say the least.
Planning for the future and infrastructure development is necessary. The reality on the ground however is that there is large scale development, some unregulated, its consequences are evident, there is poor garbage management and also a law and order issue. There is widespread corruption and the system is failing us and our future generations.
We need a visionary leadership that does not fall for the traps of these projects. We need a leadership that develops a robust garbage management system that rids our state of this menace. We need a leader who can be a catalyst for change and pave the way for world class local transportation. We need a leader who can command a proactive law and order system.
We need a Goa that is clean and safe and the rule of the law is implemented justly among all and for this we need a citizenry that like its leaders have a long term vision. We the people need to nurture leadership from within us to lead us into the future we need a more proactive society that demands accountability
The first set of tourists that discovered Goa did not choose it for its sprawling infrastructure, connectivity or global cuisine and services, it was the absence of all of the above that attracted them here. When the first hippies arrived there were clean beaches, greenery and peace everywhere, the local communities welcomed them without judgement or bias, there was very little conflict and the guests immersed themselves with the locals and their culture.
All good practices of tourism that lead to the building of brand Goa. This Goa needs to be reimagined for the 21st century traveller, how about investing in creating better Garbage management, in building consensus for a world class transportation system, we need more public infrastructure in clean toilets and facilities for the many tourists, a non partisan law and order system. Yes there is a lot being done but much more is needed and we could begin with better public engagement to decide capital allocation.
Detailed Project Report -/https://sd2.tourism.gov.in/DocumentRepoFiles/DPRReport/DPR12438c19-aa31-4074-9476-6aa82c9a8090.pdf
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