Panaji, Sept 11: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has stepped up efforts for the establishment of a Goa House at Velankanni, meeting Tamil Nadu Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna to seek allotment of suitable land for the proposed facility.

The Goa House is envisaged as a dedicated facility for Goans visiting Velankanni, one of the country’s prominent pilgrimage destinations. It is proposed to provide accommodation, basic amenities, information and assistance to visitors from Goa, particularly senior citizens, families with children and ordinary pilgrims.

During the meeting, Chodankar discussed the proposal submitted by the Christian Association of Goa (CAG) and formally handed over its detailed proposal to the Tamil Nadu minister.

Chodankar said a large number of Goans cutting across religious and social backgrounds travel to Velankanni every year, with several families making the pilgrimage regularly.

“A Goa House at Velankanni is not merely about constructing a building. It is about creating a safe, dependable and accessible facility for Goans travelling thousands of kilometres away from home,” Chodankar said.

He said the proposed Goa House could function not only as an accommodation facility but also as a common support centre offering basic facilities, information and assistance to Goans visiting the pilgrimage town.

According to Chodankar, the proposal had earlier been taken up with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who had assured that the necessary steps would be considered and advised that the matter be pursued with the concerned Public Works Ministry.

“Accordingly, I met the PWD Minister and requested him to facilitate the allotment of suitable land for the proposed Goa House. I am hopeful that the Tamil Nadu Government will positively consider the proposal in the larger public interest,” Chodankar said.

Describing the project as a potential permanent public asset for Goa, Chodankar said such a facility could serve generations of Goans travelling to Velankanni.

“When thousands of our people regularly travel to a particular destination, it is the responsibility of those in public life to think about their convenience, safety and welfare. A Goa House at Velankanni can become a permanent public asset serving generations of Goans,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu minister responded positively to the proposal and assured that the matter would be processed at the earliest, according to Chodankar.

The GPCC president said he would continue to pursue the matter with the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure that the proposal for the Goa House moves forward expeditiously.