Govt wants CRZ norms eased for tourism projects-Herald

Govt wants CRZ norms eased for tourism projects November 20, 2012 TEAM HERALD teamherald@herald-goa.com PANJIM: Tourism minister Dilip Parulekar has said that State’s coastal tourism projects should be exempted from Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) regulations, if they are to see the light of day. 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Speaking to Herald, Monday, Parulekar said, “Many of our ambitious projects are getting stalled due to CRZ regulations, which makes it virtually impossible to take forward any coastal infrastructure development to boost tourism.” The tourism ministry is currently irate over the fact that three of its projects which involve infrastructure development at Baga-Sinquerim, the rope way project from Reis Magos Fort to Aguada Fort and Miramar and the sky tower at Vagator in addition to road and parking facilities at many other locations are unlikely to progress. The sky tower proposal has already been struck down by the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA). The Tourism ministry fears that the rope way projects could also be grounded by the authorities as they come within the ambit of CRZ regulations. Parulekar said that Tourism department is struggling to get clearances for the walkway from Baga to Sinquerim. “For the development of tourism, there is need for relaxing CRZ regulations for tourism projects along the beach belt,” Parulekar insisted, pointing out that even plans for constructing roads to certain beaches which lack proper approach facilities are not making any headway. Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar Monday said that he has already verbally discussed the matter with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to have tourism projects along the coastal belt exempted from CRZ regulations. “The matter actually falls within the ambit of the Central rules and if required I will take up this issue through written correspondence,” Parulekar said, pointing further that the State government and GCZMA authorities are open to the idea of approaching the Centre if required. He said that while on the one hand tourism projects are getting stuck for want of CRZ clearances, on the other hand the ministry faces objections from NGOs while executing its plan such as that of mechanized beach cleaning. Parulekar said that the ministry was going to float tenders shortly for both forms of beach cleaning and thereafter take a call on which method it should adopt. He also said that the Tourism ministry will push forward plans of the London Duck Tour amphibious buses which work on land and sea. “We are awaiting experts from London to visit Goa soon to explore the possibility of starting this unique attraction in Goa,” said Parulekar. The minister also said that proposals for helicopter rides and amphibious projects are in the pipeline and the ministry will try and get these cleared by early next year. http://oheraldo.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Govt-wants-CRZ-norms-eased-for-tourism-projects/67148.html