Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Tuesday said the Goa government will prepare a comprehensive eco-tourism policy in coordination with the Forest Department and other stakeholders before initiating eco-tourism projects in the State.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Khaunte said a clear policy framework is necessary to regulate and promote eco-tourism in a sustainable manner. He added that the government intends to seek suggestions from all 40 MLAs while preparing the policy.
“Unless we draft an eco-tourism policy, we cannot move ahead with eco-tourism initiatives. The policy will be prepared in coordination with the Forest Department and other concerned agencies, and we will take inputs from all 40 MLAs,” the minister said.
During the discussion, Khaunte also criticised the Opposition, accusing them of adopting a “double stand” on the issue. He claimed that while Opposition members demand the promotion of eco-tourism inside the Assembly, they oppose such initiatives outside the House.
“In the Assembly they ask the government to promote eco-tourism, but outside they sit on the roads protesting and raising slogans saying they do not want these projects,” Khaunte said.
The minister maintained that the government remains committed to promoting eco-tourism in a planned and environmentally responsible manner once the policy framework is finalised.
