Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched the development of amenities at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The works will be taken up at a cost of Rs 17 crores.
Goa Rehabilitation Board chairman and Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai said this is a dream project that has been finally fulfilled.
“We have been demanding this project for many years now, and the issue was even raised in the Assembly. Around 18,000 people come to see St Francis Xavier, and the existing facilities are not sufficient. The beautification works will be completed before the Exposition in November,” he said.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Ganesh Gaonkar said that the government wants to create facilities for tourists visiting this place.
“The Centre has shown enthusiasm for providing these facilities here. With so many tourists visiting the state, we need to provide basic facilities for them. Work on toilets, parking, illumination,
e-vehicles for ease of travelling, tourist information centre, signages, etc, will be taken up. We want to complete this project by November 15,” he said.
Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said the government is focussing on promoting pilgrimage destination centres for tourism.
“This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pilgrimage destination centre. With 8 months left for the Exposition, we plan to ensure maximum possible facilities and amenities are completed that are needed to support the ecosystem for people and pilgrims who will be coming here. We wanted the works to start before the code of conduct comes into effect. From the standpoint of spiritual and regenerative tourism, we are talking about society and environment and for that we need to create ecosystems that will match our vision. Hence, we need world-class, state-of-the-art facilities for tourists,” he said.
Rajya Sabha member Sadanand Shet Tanavade said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, and for that infrastructure development is essential.
“We need to provide infrastructure facilities for tourists as many people come to Old Goa. I am sure we will complete the works within the next 8 months as the Exposition starts on November 21. So, we need to finish the work by November 15. The tourism officials, local MLA, minister, as well as the contractor should ensure quality work. Goa depends on tourism. Taxis, hotels, restaurants, etc depend on this. All infrastructure development works being undertaken, including improving connectivity, is for boosting tourism,” he said.
Rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus Fr Patricio Fernandes said that, “We are happy that this place was chosen for the works, and we hope the place will become convenient for everyone – tourists and religious services. This place is primarily a place of religious encounter for people from Goa, India and all over the world. We hope that everything will work out in an amicable way.”
Also present were North Goa ZP chairperson Siddesh Naik, Old Goa sarpanch Medha Parvatkar and other dignitaries.
