Parsekar firm on Chapora eco-tourism project in Goa

Notwithstanding opposition from the locals, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today announced that proposed Rs 100-crore eco-tourism development project at Chapora river in North Goa would not be stalled.
"The project is proposed by me as I want to promote hinterland tourism in Pernem taluka. It will help in attracting high-end tourists in this taluka," Parsekar said.
He said with the new international airport taking shape at Mopa in Pernem taluka, the state government wants to provide best tourism facility to the people.
"The project consultant report is still on paper and government is yet to give its final nod. The report has been sent to all the seven village panchayats (where the project is proposed) for comment," he said.

"In my opinion it is one of the best projects which will attract high-end tourists and also create employment for the locals," Parsekar commented.
The Chapora river development project is one of the ambitious project supported by Union Shippingministry, he said.

Parsekar said with coastal areas being saturated, there is a need to have more tourist spots specially in the hinterlands.
Rubbishing the land worries, the Chief Minister said government will not acquire land for the project.
"The private bidder will do the land acquisition directly from the villagers. The land will be acquired by giving full compensation to the locals or the company will work revenue sharing model with the villagers," he stated.

The project will include ferry terminals, a tourist village, museum, marinas, fishermen's wharf, hotels, underwater aquarium, sea world, bird park, adventure sports island, tree top hotel, hotel complex, exhibition centre, tented accommodation and cable cars.