The Union Home Ministry is in the process of taking over the five islands in Goa for the purpose of holistic developments. They have already identified over 1000 islands across the country under this process.
According to the available information from the reliable sources, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had identified the five islands in Goa to carry out the holistic developments. The five selected islands are St. George Island, Grande Island, Bat Island, Conco Island and Bhindo Island. The sources have divulged that the task force constituted by the MHA for the purpose of holistic developments of the islands had initially identified seven islands in Goa but the state government clarified that only five were in existence.
According to the information, there are total 1000 islands that have been identified by the central government under the Indian jurisdiction out of which five are under Goa’s jurisdiction but there is no clarity on the side of the department over the purpose of development. “The department is not sure whether the islands will be developed for the purpose of tourism development or as a refueling station for the ships.
The officials have informed that the meeting to discuss the issue of development has been held and they have forwarded the list of islands coming under the jurisdiction of Goa. St. George Island which is located in Mormugao area is about 5 km away from Baina Beach in Vasco and it is mostly barren. The Grande Island is around 4 km off the Biana beach and this island has a rocky terrain with cliffs all over and is covered with dense forest. This island is connected to Grande Island with the distance of barely 50 M as a result of which the two appear to be one from a distance.
The Pequeno Island aka Bat Island is about 4 km away from Baina coast and it is surrounded by the rocks and completely covered with thick vegetation. The Conco Island is situated 50 m from the northern end of the Palolem beach and can be accessed on foot during the low tide. Locals frequently visit this place for collecting the firewood. This island also covered with the thick vegetation. Bhindo Island is about 2 km from Polem beach. It is completely covered with barren rock and the access to the island is very difficult during the monsoon.
The development process of these islands will be beneficial to the state as the resources which are presently lying idle will be put into some use. The development may also generate the revenue for the state. Please do leave your valuable comments and suggestions on this issue.
Source: Various Sources.
