Team Goemkarponn
CALANGUTE: Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo today said that it was completely wrong to ban paragliding activities across Goa and that he will speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in this regard.
Lobo was speaking to media in respect to Tourism department’s order to ban paragliding activities across Goa in wake of two deaths.
“It was completely wrong to ban paragliding activities across Goa and that he will speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in this regard. I do not know under whom these activities come,” said Lobo
He further said that paragliding is an activity and that there are many enthusiats who learn are interested to do this activity.
“There is a big festival which happens in Himachal Pradesh for which I was the chief guest in 2018. Such type of events or activities should not be banned by government,” he added
Lobo further said he understands that there was a death because of paragliding. He also said that all precautionary measures should be taken.
“Goa is an international tourist destination and anywhere across the world paragliding activities exist” he added
MLA said that sports activities on beaches should be regulated and those interested in setting up such business should register with government.
“Let it be regulated but you cannot stop paragliding. All these operators should come and join together and form all Goa Paragliding Association and have all the measures,” he said
Lobo said that operators should take all safety measures and all these activities should be monitored for safety and other aspects.
“We should give all these options to tourist because it’s an experience for tourists who come down to Goa to have a good time,” he added
Goa government on Friday suspended paragliding activities across the state.
An order issued by Kedar A Naik, the Director of Tourism, said the operation of paragliding activities – motorised and non-motorised – is “immediately suspended throughout the coastal state until further orders”.
The order said the Department of Tourism will review all existing registrations issued under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act,1982, pertaining to paragliding activities throughout the state to ensure compliance with the requisite safety standards.
“All operators engaged in paragliding activities are required to submit the prescribed documentation to the authority. All police officers and persons in charge of police stations within their respective jurisdictions are hereby directed to assist in the enforcement of this order,” the order said.
