Goa to Develop Five Villages as Tourism Hubs with ₹2.5 Crore Boost

Swift Summary:

• The Goa Tourism Department, under the Tourism Village Growth Scheme 2021, has identified five villages-Cotigao, Bandora, Chandor, Chorao, and sal-to be developed as tourism hubs at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore.
• Multi-purpose halls will be constructed to host fairs, festivals, live performances, and events in each village.
• Cotigao was awarded “Best Tourism Village of india” in 2023; Bandora won in the wellness category in 2024.
• GTDC plans to shift tourism focus from coastal areas to heritage-rich rural hinterlands by showcasing traditional art forms and pre-Portuguese heritage.
• A consultant will be appointed by GTDC to create a detailed project report (DPR) for the initiative covering conceptualization through completion stages while complying with local regulations.
• Each village will initially receive Rs 50 lakh under the scheme with possible additional funding based on individual requirements. Planned amenities include handicraft stalls, tourist counters, gazebos, seating facilities-all finalized after consulting respective panchayats.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The initiative aligns well with broader national efforts to expand eco-amiable and culturally rooted tourism beyond overcrowded coastal zones into India’s hinterlands. For Goa specifically-long known for its beaches-the project emphasizes rural development through tourism by spotlighting lesser-known cultural treasures like handicrafts and historical landmarks tied to local traditions and pre-Portuguese history.

GTDC’s commitment to consult panchayats ensures grassroots inclusivity while adhering strictly to zoning laws can safeguard against ecological disruptions or community conflicts during implementation stages. If executed effectively with robust planning via DPRs from consultants overseeing every phase comprehensively-from conception through funding optimization-it could serve as a model nationwide enriching underserved village economies sustainably across regions leveraging their heritage uniqueness!

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