Eco-tourism policy in works, implementation crucial for boost in hinterland areas, says minister

Special Correspondent

Panaji

The Goa Eco-tourism Policy is currently under preparation and its implementation is crucial to promote tourism in rural areas of the state, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told the Legislative Assembly
on Tuesday.

“The government is working towards expanding eco-tourism across the state, from Pernem to Canacona,” Khaunte said, adding that eco-tourism is a responsible form of travel to natural areas that protects the environment, takes local communities into confidence and promotes sustainable development of hinterland regions.

Informing the House during Question Hour that the Tourism Department is organising treks and trails in forest areas across the state, he said that the Dudhsagar waterfall alone attracts 2.36 lakh tourists annually.

Khaunte also criticised the Opposition and accused them of adopting a “double standard”. He said that while Opposition members ask the government to promote eco-tourism inside the House, they protest and oppose such
initiatives outside.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao appealed to the government to ensure that eco-tourism initiatives in Goa do not come at the cost of the environment and demanded the creation of a nodal agency to coordinate tourism, environmental protection and waste management under
a single platform.

Raising a related question, Curtorim Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that unregulated tourism activities could damage fragile ecosystems. He also said that there is need for a structured mechanism bringing all related departments together to effectively monitor and manage eco-tourism.

The minister said that the government is presently drafting a comprehensive eco-tourism policy that will integrate various departments and guide future initiatives. He also invited suggestions from all MLAs and other stakeholders before finalisation of the policy.

The House was also informed that restricted and ticketed entry systems have already been introduced at some tourism sites to regulate visitor numbers.

Meanwhile, Lourenco sought details of areas identified for eco-tourism and asked whether studies had been conducted before promoting such sites. He also raised concern that development in the name of eco-tourism could lead to construction activities that may harm natural habitats.