Floating Markets Coming to Goa’s Rivers on the lines of Thailand & Vietnam !
The FFM Project to kick off with 2025 - 2026 Tourist Season from River Mandovi at Panjim !
On the Auspicious Occasion of Gudi Padwa on 30th of March 2025; which heralds the New Year in Maharashtra and Konkan; Tourism Dept of Goa under the able leadership of Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte has decided to bring Thailand Vietnam experience to Tourists coming to Goa through Floating Markets in River Mandovi.
In the Tourist Season 2024 - 2025, which just concluded prematurely; Tourism Department of Goa came under brutal assault from all quarters and falling Tourist Arrivals (Non-Russians) and other regular issues hogging limelight in National Media and SM as well, for days altogether.
With Social Media still abundant with thousands of posts, detailing with great Tourist experiences in Thailand and Vietnam via videos; Tourism Minister Khaunte has decided to lead from the front and nip in the sand, all naysayers who have sounded out Goa as “NOMore” preferred destination of Tourists all over the World.
In a high level meeting between Tourism Minister Khaunte, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar and MLA of Panjim Babush Monserrate on Gudi Padwa; it has been decided to establish “Floating Markets” in River Mandovi on the lines of Thailand Vietnam.
It is important to recollect that, last year (and also this year), both Fisheries Minister and MLA of Panjim ALSO received Gallons of flak for other reasons too; and Assembly Elections activities already heating up, with Cabinet Reshuffle coming this month; the THREE MLAs have decided to team up.
The Proposal :
Establish a Floating Market in River Mandovi, where on 30 Foot Canoes; Vendors would sell all types of wares, found in some of the Flea Markets still operating on Weekends in some parts of Goa.
The Vendors could be Small Fishermen, who now would have an alternate Source of income and would no longer at the mercy of LED Fishing Boats, “Catch All” Trawlers from Outside and Climate Change. Since almost all Small Fishermen have more than 1 Boat; they can both Fish in the Morning and Sell at “Floating Flea Market” in the evening.
Babush Monserrate, the MLA of Panjim promised in 2019, that he would remove the Casino out of Mandovi, within 100 Days of becoming a MLA in then by-elections; can also see his 6 YEARS LONG DREAM fulfilled with Khaunte and Halarnkar throwing all their might behind him. Floating Casinos would be moved out of Mandovi to make way for Floating Market.
Also, along with them Tourism Dept has decided that “Cruise Ferries” with Disco & Strobe Lights, playing Bollywood Songs would also stop plying in Mandovi. Thus bringing a serene and peaceful environment to Mandovi. Tourists desiring to venture into Mandovi to the “floating Market” would be ferried by selected Fishermen in 30-foot Canoes, with their licenses amended.
Also, in the Floating Markets would be LIVE MUSIC on 30 Foot Canoes, with only Konkani Songs being played by local artisans; so that Tourists can relish traditional Goan Music, which they otherwise get to experience only in Tourism Dept Festivals.
Floating Market would also have “Floating Grill & Barbecue” Canoes. Tourists can buy Fresh Catch of Day, brought by Fishermen and get it done as per their liking. These Barbecue and Grill Boats wont operate on Gasoline but due to Safety reasons would be Oared.
There are plans to have “Floating Bar” as well, but limited to Cashew Feni & Urrak (when available). There was a lot of deliberations on what could be the limit on number of Pegs to be allowed per person, per evening and it has been decided that it be capped at 3. Rohan Khaunte who is IT Minister also decided to use AI or Artificial Intelligence which would automatically identify and keep count of number of Pegs bought by a person. There would be total such 9 “Floating Bars” to avoid Kumbh Mela type of commotion and thus any unfortunate incident.
The FFM (Floating Flea Market, to just make sure) would also give a great flip to KUNBI Handloom industry of Goa, with Rohan Khaunte and Babush deciding that “ I LOVE GOA” Sandow and Shorts being sold at Mandovi would be made only of KUNBI. Also, would be available KUNBI Towels.
With Pamjim citizens most of the times having harrowing experience travelling to buy daily needs due to dug up roads and footpaths, along market can also avail of “Hop-On & Hop-Off” Canoes operated by Fishermen.
FFM Project envisaged by KHM (Khaunte, Halarnkar and Monserrate) has the potential to bring “VIKSIT GOA” 20 Years earlier, than planned (2047) as it impacts all the major Sections of Society of the State : Tourism Stakeholders, Fishermen, Traditional Arts & Crafts, Forest (Cashew Feni), Handloom Sector etc
The WAR CRY of FFM Project has thus been aptly chosen as “VISKSIT GOA DONE BY 2027” , which given the scope of Project does not seem too out-stretched.
The nitty-gritty of the FFM Project is entrusted to Secretaries of Tourism Dept, Fisheries Dept and Mayor of Panjim Rohit Monserrate, with the TRIO reporting Daily Progress to THREE MLAs.
It’s been learnt that a SPECIAL PURPOSE entity, IMAGINE FFM In GOA LTD would be floated on Goa Statehood Day, which would build and operate the Project.
Needless to say, The FFM Project is not going to catapult Goa again as a favourite Tourist Destination in the World; but it is going to rejuvenate all the major sections of the Society and shall going to benefit immensely, the Common Man of state.
Goa Wishes, All the Success in this endeavour to THREE MLAs !
Happy April Fool's day.