PANAJI: Goa tourism development corporation ltd (GTDC) came under heavy criticism when in 2016 it leased out some properties at prime locations in the state.In 2016, lease agreements were signed for four major properties for building starred hotels, but the delay in getting various statutory permissions has deferred implementation of the project. GTDC has no clue how long it will take for it to obtain the required permits.Chairman, GTDC, Nilesh Cabral who advocated the concept of leasing out GTDC properties which were left neglected and underused for decades, said, “I really can’t say when all the permissions will be obtained.”The problem has surfaced as the properties in question are in coastal regulation zones (CRZ). The new CRZ plan has not been finalised yet, which has caused a delay in getting permission from the Goa coastal zone management authority (GCZMA) in the case of some properties.Cabral, however, is positive that the option adopted for GTDC’s prime properties is the best and their plan for four properties will materialise despite the delays. The four properties at Miramar, Anjuna, Britona riverside and Colva, respectively, which have been leased out come under CRZ areas. The GTDC justified leasing of its properties as it wants to strengthen its financial condition. It felt it was the best option.Cabral said GTDC is a service-oriented corporation and needs to be sustainable. The sustainability can’t be achieved unless they adopt some measures to strengthen it financially. Some properties, that have been leased, were in bad condition and maintenance cost was high. GTDC, on its own, can’t take up projects on a bigger scale due to paucity of capital and hence the decision.A senior official said more thought should have been given before leasing out these properties.Concession fees received from properties leased has not been spent, Cabral said. “Interest earned will be utilized towards developing our residencies. It was a conscious decision on our part not to utilise concession fees and retain them in deposits,” said Cabral.Cabral also refuted arguments that by giving its properties, ideally located ones, on long leases, Goa tourism is denying economy tourists to avail accommodation at reasonable tariff. “Most states have government-run hotels that make the stay of budget tourists economical. If GTDC privatises all its residencies, tourists with limited budgets can tick off Goa from their itinerary as Goa has few budget hotels,” an officer said.

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