Panaji, Aug 6 (TOI): The tourism department has appointed project management consultants for identification of sites and development of tourism infrastructure in hinterland talukas, the state legislative assembly was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question tabled by Sanguem MLA (BJP) Subhash Phal Dessai, tourism minister Dilip Parulekar said "Project management consultants have been appointed for identification of sites and development of tourism infrastructure in the hinterland talukas of Goa, such as Sattari, Bicholim, Dharbandora, Quepem, Sanguem, Ponda and Canacona. Facilities such as parking, public amenities, lighting, boating and children's play area and amphitheatre are being created at Mayem Lake in Bicholim taluka at a cost of 8.93 crore, he said.

Goa tourism development corporation (GTDC) has decided to undertake repairs and renovation of Budbude lake, Savari waterfalls, Neturlim, Mainapee waterfalls, Dattagufa Mandir, he added.

"GTDC has introduced new tourism services like whitewater rafting over River Mhadei in Sattari taluka. Services like hot-air balloon, horse trails, bungy jumping, etc will be started in the hinterland area and currently the process for identification of the sites is underway," he added.

In the year 2015, GTDC has started trekking activities to the hinterland areas of Goa in order to showcase the verdant and beautiful interiors of the state to the tourists and the same has received very good response in the first year.

GTDC has decided to upgrade its property located near Tambdi Surla temple to provide facilities like restaurant and public amenities to tourists visiting the area.

GTDC has created infrastructure such as retaining walls and illumination facilities at Chandreshwar Bhutnath temple located in Quepem taluka and an amount of 78.55 lakh has been spent till date in the first phase, Parulekar said in the written reply.