Goa : The Department of Tourism’s proposal to develop tourism infrastructure near Baga beach in Goa has come through and its foundation stone laying function was held yesterday  morning at the hands of Hon Tourism Minister Mr. Dilip Parulekar in the presence of Calangute MLA Mr Michael Lobo and Mr Nikhil Desai, MD of GTDC and Director of Tourism, Government of Goa.

The project is designed to beautify and upgrade infrastructure near the Baga

creek like parking facilities beautification, viewing tower, seaside pathways, etc.

On the occasion, Tourism Minister Mr Parulekar said, “Baga, Calangute and Candolim are the busiest tourist attractions, and are the most visited tourist spots with heavily crowded beaches. These beaches needed special attention in terms of more facilities and tourist attractions. A need was felt to develop the surrounding area with proper and better accesses, beautifications of the area in order to boost tourism in the state.”

The project has been scheduled to complete in 180 days (excluding monsoon) from the date of commencement of work. The estimated cost for this Rs 9,04,58,256 which includes 3% contingencies, 4% Consultancy charges and 7.25% Centage charges. It will avail Central Finance Assistance under the scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

The proposed work includes construction of seaside pathway from Baga to Calangute, construction of approach road from Baga to Arpora Bridge, construction of seating and landscaping near Baga Creek, and construction of parking and landscaping near Baga Beach temple and parking area near the viewing tower.