Latest news with #GTDC
Time of India
6 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
HC stays Morjim beautification work over green concerns
Panaji: The high court on Tuesday ordered an immediate stay on the beautification work being carried out on Morjim beach through Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The HC issued a notice to govt after a petitioner showed the court pictures purportedly of the site where sand dunes were being destroyed with heavy machinery. Captain Gerald Fernandes, a former Indian Army officer and resident of Morjim, filed the PIL seeking urgent intervention of the HC to halt the ongoing work at the ecologically sensitive Morjim beach. This site is an officially designated turtle nesting area for the endangered olive ridley turtles , safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011. Fernandes, represented by advocate Om D'Costa, submitted to the HC that the beach beautification project, valued at Rs 9.8 crore by GTDC, is proceeding without mandatory statutory approvals and without a construction licence from the panchayat. The flattening of the sand dunes on the beach is being carried out, the plea said. The development activity poses an imminent and irreparable threat to the turtle nesting habitat, sand dunes, and natural ecosystem of Morjim beach, the plea said. The panchayat and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority granted NOCs in apparent disregard of the site's protected status and its proximity within 200 metres to the high tide line, Fernandes submitted to the division bench comprising justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Enjoy 100% Pure New Zealand and fly Air New Zealand Fly Air New Zealand Undo Fernandes, who is a recipient of Goa govt's wildlife conservation award for protecting the olive ridley habitat at Morjim, has also been recently nominated by the HC to the noise monitoring committee. He stated that beaches and their attendant sand dune vegetation are beautiful in themselves and don't need concrete props from any external agency. 'In fact, the sand dunes and sand dune vegetation have major ecological functions and provide ecosystem services,' Fernandes submitted to the HC. He said, 'The project proponent is actively committing to destroying Goa's natural tourism assets instead of protecting them.' GTDC has been involved in launching a similar project to beautify Baina beach at Vasco, which was cancelled by the HC. A second beach beautification project at the same location a decade later was also cancelled on the grounds of violation of the CRZ notification, which is pending before the Supreme Court after GTDC challenged it, Fernandes said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt owes tourism contractors over Rs 39.7cr with bills from 2019
Panaji : From housekeeping services and painting to legal fees and translations, the tourism department has racked up Rs 39.7 crore in unpaid bills. Contractors for events, vehicles and executed projects have been fretting with their money lying locked up with the tourism department as well as the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), with some of the bills dating all the way back to 2019. Among those that the department owes money are govt entities such as Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Limited and Goa Electronics Limited. The tourism department's 17 outstanding bills are largely for tourism roadshows and trade fairs, and most are for the current year with just two bills dating back to Dec 2024. However, GTDC's track record of clearing bills of contractors and event management firms is not on par. The Goa Human Resource Development Corporation Ltd provided security services at GTDC residencies for 2019-20 for which it billed GTDC Rs 1.03 crore, an amount that remains unpaid, shows data released in the state legislative assembly. Invoices towards the organisation of the Manohar Parrikar Vidnyan Mahostav in Dec 2021 worth Rs 3.7 lakh also remain unpaid. Taxi bills worth Rs 8.65 crore remain unpaid, shows the data released in the state legislative assembly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emergency Generators in Sevilla: (Prices May Surprise You) Emergency Generator | Search Ads Search Now Undo Information provided by the department also shows that Rs 4.4 crore has to be released to a private firm for development of amenities at the Bom Jesus Basilica under the PRASHAD Scheme. GTDC said that many of these bills are 'under consideration' and will be cleared once scrutiny and approval is obtained. Bills for the G20 meetings, which were held in Goa, also remain unpaid. Goa hosted several G20-related meetings during India's presidency in 2023, including the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting and the Tourism Ministers' Meeting.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Footfall in rains: Govt starts white-water rafting at Valpoi
Panaji: Goa's rivers are in full spate as the tourism department announces the commencement of white-water rafting on the Mhadei River in Ustem village, approximately 11km from Valpoi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 10km route features grade II to III+ rapids, suitable for beginners. The initiation of white-water rafting is expected to boost monsoon tourist arrivals, officials said. Officials stated that two trips would be conducted each day. The rafting activity is organised through a partnership between Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and Southern River Adventures and Sports Pvt Ltd. 'Every trip is conducted under the supervision of certified guides, with thorough safety briefings and complete gear, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles being checked by certified authorities,' a tourism department official said. The adventure sport is expected to attract nature and water sports enthusiasts to Goa's hinterlands, aligning with efforts to encourage tourists to explore Goa's forested valleys, rolling hills, and rain-soaked wilderness, officials added. 'With the expertise of John Pollard, who brings over 30 years of global rafting experience, we are proud to offer a safe experience to both national and international tourists. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting eco-friendly exploration and establishing Goa as a diverse, year-round destination,' said tourism director Kedar Naik. The inflatable rafts accommodate eight to ten participants, and the full journey lasts approximately 90 minutes. White-water rafting typically occurs in Goa from June to October; however, this year the rafting season began a fortnight later. A tourism department official indicated that the water sport would operate under strict environmental protocols as part of Goa Tourism's flagship initiative 'Goa Beyond Beaches'. GTDC has also commenced organising monsoon treks, with a trek along the Charavane trail in Sattari scheduled for this Sunday. GTDC has arranged transport from various parts of Goa to ensure accessibility.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
Colva beach mess belies Rs 11cr revamp
Colva: Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, Colva beach was to be beautified for Rs 11.7 crore, but a visit to the beach today reveals shattered infrastructure despite the promise of the creation of an 'iconic beach'. The money was sanctioned for Colva beach in July 2018. The project was launched by the tourism minister at the time, Manohar Ajgaonkar, and included comprehensive beautification, roadworks, and landscaping. Other project features were gazebos, toilet and changing blocks, parking for over 450 vehicles, a children's play area, and a network of 15 high-end CCTV cameras and ornamental street lighting. In 2019, seven gazebos made of steel and fibre-reinforced plastic were installed, and officials of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) asserted that these structures were built to endure the coastal weather conditions. However, within a year, the structures began deteriorating. By the monsoon of 2020, most gazebos had collapsed. Today, only two skeletal remains stand. The situation deteriorated in 2022, when the ornamental lighting poles were ripped off by strong winds, plunging the beach into darkness for months. In May 2025, unseasonal rains brought down the remaining poles. GTDC officials have only vague responses to questions on whether any structural audit was ever conducted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The CCTV network is now entirely non-functional. The air-conditioned monitoring booth lies defunct. Despite the project's cost and its high-profile launch, no public record of a financial or technical audit has surfaced. Locals, including panchayat members, have repeatedly raised concerns over the drain of taxpayer money and the lack of upkeep. As the state prepares for Swadesh Darshan 2.0, who will answer for the Rs 11.7 crore already lost, said one panchayat member.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Goa gears up for Siolim São João 2025
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Siolim São João Traditional Boat Festival & Cultural Organisation, has announced the celebration of Siolim São João 2025, June 24 onwards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This much-awaited cultural extravaganza will take place in the vibrant riverside village of Siolim, opposite St Anthony's Church, and promises an afternoon filled with tradition, colour, and community spirit. This year's edition will witness the distinguished presence of Rohan A Khaunte, Minister for Tourism; Nilkant Halarnkar, Minister for Fisheries; Dr Ganesh C Gaonkar, chairman of GTDC;. Delilah Lobo, Siolim Constituency; Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute Constituency; Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary Tourism; Kedar A. Naik, director of Tourism; and Kuldeep Arolkar, managing director, GTDC. Speaking about the event, Director Tourism, Kedar A Naik, said, 'Siolim São João is not only a celebration of Goa's vibrant monsoon culture but also a reminder of our deep-rooted traditions that bind communities together. Through such festivals, we aim to encourage community-driven tourism experiences that honour local identity while offering engaging experiences for visitors.' Rooted in Goan heritage and celebrated with unmatched zeal, the Siolim São João Festival is one of the most distinctive monsoon festivals in the state. This year's celebration will commence with the grand traditional boat parade, where beautifully decorated floats and participants in festive attire will glide along the waters in a captivating procession that draws thousands of onlookers every year. Goa Tourism will also feature in the Boat parade with a specially designed boat & a monsoon mascot which will be followed by a themed dance performance that has been specially composed for this occasion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The festivities will also showcase traditional Goan folk dances and live music, bringing together artists and performers from across the state. As part of the cultural traditions, the symbolic leap into wells and streams will be observed with joy, continuing the legacy of São João celebrations in Goa. Other highlights include the age-old Oze and Dhali traditions, the Kopel competition, and engaging performances that blend the festive spirit with modern vibrancy. This year's line-up features an energetic performance by the youth band Clay Jars, along with a special musical act by Johnny B Gud with Reza.
