NEWS UPDATES
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says that strict action has been taken in incidents involving harassment of tourists and assured that such behaviour will not be tolerated; emphasises that ensuring the safety and dignity of visitors, especially women tourists, remains a top priority for the government.
MLA Vijai Sardesai alleges that major irrigation projects in Mirabag and Sanguem are being labelled as “minor” to bypass mandatory Environmental Clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006; calling it an “environmental fraud,” he demanded scrutiny of such projects and stressed that development must not come at the cost of Goa’s fragile environment.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte hits out at the Opposition in the Goa Assembly, accusing them of taking a “double stand”; says in the House they ask the government to promote eco-tourism, but outside they sit on the roads protesting and shouting that they don’t want this and that
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says the proposed Unity Mall project will go ahead, alleging that the protest held in Chimbel was politically motivated; states that the demonstration was not against the project itself but driven by political interests.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informs that the PM Unity Mall project will move forward, with the govt currently in the process of identifying a new site; says that administrative procedures are underway for finalising the location; Chimbel Panchayat has withheld ₹1 crore paid by the government for the construction licence and is unwilling to refund the amount until the site is restored; adds that restoration cannot be undertaken until the new site for the project is finalised.
MLA Sankalp Amonkar raises concerns in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the safety and dignity of women tourists visiting the state, citing recent reports of harassment in beach areas and popular tourist spots; urges the government to outline the steps being taken to ensure better protection and maintain Goa’s image as a safe tourism destination.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informs that the PM Unity Mall project will move forward, with the govt currently in the process of identifying a new site; says that administrative procedures are underway for finalising the location; Chimbel Panchayat has withheld ₹1 crore paid by the government for the construction licence and is unwilling to refund the amount until the site is restored; adds that restoration cannot be undertaken until the new site for the project is finalised.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao raises concerns over the suspension of commercial LPG cylinder supplies in Bengaluru, saying the disruption has affected hotel and restaurant operations; urges Goa govt to convene a meeting with stakeholders to ensure the hospitality sector in Goa continues to function smoothly; CM assures the House that the govt will study the matter.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane says Goa government will study policies adopted in Kerala and Karnataka to address human-wildlife conflict; states that the state has no issue in drafting a Human-Animal Wildlife Conflict Management Policy and will discuss with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to decide a structural framework; adds ₹3.50 crore has been provided to tackle animal-human conflict issues and the department will be asked to map hotspots of monkey menace and submit data.
Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar says it has been observed that a recurring pattern of behaviour has emerged during Assembly sessions, with members of the Council of Ministers raising their voices, shouting, taunting, ridiculing and directing personal accusations at other members; states that such conduct is antithetical to the solemn oath of office taken under the Third Schedule of the Constitution of India and urged members to maintain the dignity of the House.