THREE APPLICANTS FOR SETTING UP GOLF COURSE

PANJIM: Three companies have applied for setting up golf course at Pernem responding to the Department of Tourism advertisement, Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said here on Tuesday.  Disclosing this at a press conference, Halarnkar said the department has advertised inviting expression of interest by the companies for setting up golf course in Pernem taluka.

“Three companies have applied and we will finalise the company soon,” he said.  Giving details of the golf course, Halarnkar said government will not invest a paisa in the project.  “Right from land to development and maintenance, including getting water, will be the onus of the company. Our job will only be to grant permission,” he said.

The minister said since the project would be set up by the company, he expects support from every quarter.  “This project will definitely help boost tourism,” he said adding “during our Japan visit we were quizzed on this issue by the people there.” Asked what are the other projects that would be undertaken by his department to boost tourism? He replied, “We are taking up several projects including hinterland tourism and the inland waterways projects.”

When pointed out that the Maharashtra government had sanctioned Rs 700 crore for developing tourism infrastructure in Sindhudurg, he said “let us concentrate on our needs and try to get more funds.” He also refuted suggestions that funds are hard to come by for tourism related projects.  “The Centre has several finance schemes under which projects could be taken up,” he said. (HD)