Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 9: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar has said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Joseph has given an in-principle assurance for the establishment of a Goa Niwas at Velankanni to provide accommodation for Goan pilgrims visiting the renowned Marian shrine.

During a recent meeting with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, held in the presence of Tourism Minister and Congress MLA Rajesh Kumar, Chodankar highlighted the difficulties faced by thousands of Goan devotees who travel every year to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni.

He requested the Tamil Nadu government to allot land for the construction of a dedicated Goa Niwas, stating that the facility would offer affordable, safe and convenient accommodation for pilgrims while addressing a long-pending demand of Goa's Catholic community.

According to Chodankar, Vijay responded positively to the proposal and directed the Tourism Minister to initiate the process of identifying suitable land for the project.

As an interim arrangement, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also assured that his government would explore providing accommodation to Goan pilgrims through Tamil Nadu Tourism until the Goa Niwas is established.

Expressing gratitude, Chodankar thanked Vijay for his positive response and said he was confident that the proposed Goa Niwas would become a reality with continued follow-up and cooperation between the two states, benefiting Goan pilgrims for years to come.