Panjim, August 29: Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant recently inaugurated beautification and up-gradation works undertaken at Mayem Lake in the presence of a host of dignitaries and other officials.
Dr. Sawant, on Tuesday also launched Goa Tourism’s adventure initiative Bungee Jumping Site at Mayem which now throws open its doors for tourists to enjoy Mayem Lake in full splendor and excitement as the tourism season gets underway next month. The Rs 16 crore beautification and upgradation works undertaken at Mayem Lake has added new tourism tools and facilities for the benefit of visiting tourists.
Mayem Lake is a popular tourism destination of our state. The lake is located in the hinterlands at the foothills of Western Ghats near Bicholim Town which is at a distance of 35 Kms from Panaji. Mayem Lake is known for the scenic beauty, leisure activities, as a picnic spot, for boating and photography etc. The lake needed addition of new tourism tools and facilities for attracting more tourists, the boating facility for which the lake is famous for needed upgradation .Moreover as the lake destination provided lot of employment opportunities to the local youth to further improve the opportunities , the project was conceived and implemented at a cost of Rs. 16.6 Cr. The works undertaken include development of approach road and parking area for around 57 cars, 40 two wheelers and 10 tourist buses with a 12m wide approach road and grand new entrance.
A proper entrance, ticketing booth and tourist information office has been provided at the entrance for the guidance and benefit of the tourists. A smooth 2m wide walkway has been created with gradient slope of 1:15 for free movement of tourists including the differently-abled. There is a natural trail, where people can feel and experience the lake view and the natural beauty. The existing lake retaining wall and parapet has also been strengthened.
Picnic spots numbering 12 of different capacity have also been developed. A play area for children with a multiunit, swings, sew saw, slopes etc. adds attraction at Mayem Lake. An air- conditioned mirror maze along the pathway for a hilarious experience including funny mirrors is sure to draw huge crowds. A duck house with 9 pairs of ducks have been provided for entertainment of children.Also, an amphitheatre with a capacity for 120 people which can be increased to 200 is provided for showcasing the local folk and cultural dances. Other facilities include a souvenir shop, potter huts to promote local artisans toilet blocks, landscaping, drinking water facility, restaurants etc. As many as 20 new boats and a jetty with a terminal building for queing purpose and lake side restaurant for leisure dining has been provided. In addition, a small deck for educational fishing has been set up.
Other infrastructure facilities include a separate 160 KVA substation which will cater to all the electrical needs and a 10 KVA UPS as a backup for all computers and networking systems.
Street lighting for pathways and parking lot illumination is also provided. To ensure safety and security of tourists, CCTV cameras are installed, signage are installed for tourist information and hindrance free movement of the tourists. The entire beautification and upgradation works at Mayem Lake has been undertaken by the Project Cell (SPV), of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. The project consultants are M/s Fourth Dimension Architect Pvt Ltd and contractor, M/s. Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd. The total project area developed is 13,333.00 sq. m.
