Goa welcomes investment for developing inland waterways: CM Laxmikant Parsekar

PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said his government welcomed investment for the development of inland waterways which would help decongest the road traffic and create employment opportunities.

"The Central government is exploring the possibility of inviting investment in the maritime sector. This can create employment and develop the coastal states," Parsekar told PTI after returning from the Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday.

In his presentation at the summit, Parsekar said Goa government offered red carpet to the investors for development of inland waterways.

"The investment can be made in constructing jetties in the coastal villages so that the rivers can be used to ferry the tourists and locals," the CM said.

"Imagine, a tourist landing at Dabolim airport can take inland waterway to reach his hotel. It will be an added attraction for the state," he said.

Goa has 650 kilometres of inland waterways of which only 250 kms are navigable, he said, adding "we can dredge certain rivers and increase the navigable portion".

Concepts such as water parks were also discussed during the summit, he said. "Goa government will prioritise waterways development. We will explore the possibility of developing our waterfronts. The work on developing Chapora river has already started."

The stretch between Chapora and Colvale in North Goa would be taken up for development on pilot basis, he said.

"We want investors to put in their capital in such projects so that the jobs are created and also the tourism which is concentrated only in the coastal belt can be taken to other villages," he added.