Govt aiming at seven-star rating for Panaji: Parrikar

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Friday, said that the government will start its efforts to attain seven-star rating for Panaji city, right from the Boca de Vaca (Mouth of the Cow) spring touristic spot, under the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities: The Chief Minister, who was speaking after inauguration of the renovated and upgraded spring tun-nel and surrounding are-as at the city Boca de Vaca spring, said that the department of tourism will make all efforts to publicise the location as a touristic spot through its website as a large number of tourists come to visit the beautiful spring tunnel.

Parrikar further said that by March 2018, the spot will be provided with various kiosks operated by the neighborhood locals, however, its cleanliness and aesthetics would not be compromised at any cost. “They can earn their livelihood from this place, but should not forget that belongingness is a very important part of this project,- he noted. It may be recalled that Parrikar, along with the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh PIA had recently launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-free cities’. The government has spent Its 1.15 crore on the renovation and up-gradation of the spring tunnel and surrounding areas.

The project includes installation of the fountain, restoration of exposed masonry compound wall and provision of music/ security system. Speaking further, Parrikar said that the visitors desiring to travel in the spring tunnel should be charged a minimal fee, as a lot of money would be needed to be spent on the maintenance of the spot. He also stated that the government would soon decide about the use of the spring water. The chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Nilesh Cabral and the chairman of the Economic Development Corporation, Sidharth Kunkallenicar were also present on the occasion.

Pic Credit: Nandesh Kambli