Plans to set up projects at Anjuna to boost tourism (ToI)

Plans to set up projects at Anjuna to boost tourism TNN | Aug 19, 2013, 05.20 AM IST PANAJI: Anjuna has seen very little development even as its reputation as a night party destination and flea market took off after the seventies. While neighbouring villages of Calangute and Baga got the pie of tourism, Anjuna remained neglected. However, the scene may change if Goa tourism's grand project for Anjuna takes off. "Anjuna beach side development," which the government plans to have on Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)'s land admeasuring 2.36 lakh sq meters in Anjuna -- has the potential to change the face of Anjuna. Dilip Parulekar, tourism minister, said the project will require huge investment as it involves setting up of various facilities for tourist attraction. "Execution of the project will require investment of more than 300 crore. Though some parties have shown interest in making investment in the project, we want to invite expression of interest," Parulekar said. The development plan has been made ready by roughly sketching the kind of facilities the government wants to have as part of "Anjuna beach side development". These are a watch tower, botanical garden, adventure sports like rock climbing, flying fox, rope-challenge, bungee-jumping besides indoor games. There will also be a amphitheatre and partying lawn. The space has been earmarked for Thai spa cottage, go-karting, archery, roller-ball zorbing and also for restaurants, hotels and cottages. Parulekar said the quantum of investment required to have such kind of facilities is high which is why the government is looking at private parties for investment, and a lease agreement will be signed with a suitable party through an expression of interest. However he also clarified that nothing has been finalized yet. The GTDC as well as tourism department own lot of beach side properties but most of them are lying vacant for years. Some of the properties have been encroached upon. It is only during last one year that tourism department coupled with GTDC has been trying to see if some of its prime properties in the tourist spots could be put to use through private investment. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Plans-to-set-up-projects-at-Anjuna-to-boost-tourism/articleshow/21907121.cms