[ad_1]
Water resources minister Subhash Shirodkar said on Sunday that the Selaulim dam and its peripheral areas would be spruced up and beautified for tourism.
“New cottages will be built by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation,” he said. “I have plans of introducing water sports facilities at Pajimol, Sanguem. I also wish to make a garden of fountains at Pajimol, apart from the garden of trees and flowers.”
He was speaking after the launch of the illumination of the Selaulim dam as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebration there.
Stating that Sanguem is blessed with nature’s bounty, Shirodkar said that over one lakh tourists visited Selaulim dam and the botanical garden last year.
“Goans often think of going to Shimla or Kashmir on a holiday. In my view, Sanguem is at least half as beautiful as Kashmir during the rains,” Shirodkar said.
He further said that it would be the endeavour of the water resources department to increase the water storage capacity of the Selaulim dam by putting in efforts towards effective water management, so that the water stored in the Selaulim dam lasts through June, July, and August.
Sanguem MLA and social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai, who accompanied Shirodkar to the Selaulim dam, stressed on the need for increasing its water storage capacity. He suggested that the department take up the work of desilting of the reservoir for this purpose.
Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for investments in five and seven-star hotels, health and wellness centers, and old age homes. To augment the same, he said the state government is making efforts to improve air connectivity by constructing heliports and expanding the Kangra airport. He also reassured the safety of tourists.
“Apart from strengthening the dam, its storage capacity also needs to be increased,” Phal Dessai told Shirodkar. “Siltation in the dam’s reservoir over the past 40 years has affected its storage capacity. Half of Goa’s population is dependent on Selaulim dam for its requirements of drinking water. Even if 10% desiltation is carried out, the storage capacity will increase to an amount sufficient for the water to last for another one month.”Phal Dessai said that the proposed Kunbi Handloom and Crafts Village to be set up at Pajimol will showcase the rich culture and tradition of Goa to tourists visiting the place. Besides, the proposed wellness centre at the dam’s neighbourhood will boost medical tourism in the state, he said.
Source link
