Goa's chopper tourism project runs aground a day after launch

Just a day after its launch, Goa's helicopter tourism project has run into rough weather with the state government today announcing its suspension owing to stiff opposition by local residents in Aguada near here.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) joined hands with Pawan Hans company to provide helicopter joy rides from Panaji to Aguada helipad, located across river Mandovi.
Making the announcement before reporters this evening, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said, "The helicopter tourism project is currently kept on hold till we develop alternate site to land the chopper."
Parsekar held a crucial meeting at his official residence here along with state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar and a group, opposing the project, led by BJP MLA Michael Lobo over the issue.

Lobo and Congress leader Agenlo Fernandes have been opposing the helicopter tourism move.
According to Lobo, the local hospitality industry was not happy with helicopters landing at Aguada helipad on the plateau.

"The locals were also upset as Aguada plateau has rich bio-diversity, which would be disturbed by heli tourism," he said.
Parulekar said government would first develop new helipads for the resumption of operations. "We will provide facilities and then start it again," he said.
Earlier during the day, Congress leader Agnelo Fernandes and a group of local panchayat representatives were detained after they arrived at Aguada plateau.
Police alleged that the group tried to attack the helicopter due to which they were apprehended.