TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Reacting to sustained opposition to projects such as the proposed Mopa Greenfield International airport and the private hotel project at Tiracol, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Tuesday appealed to the people, especially activists, not to raise unnecessary objections to such projects stating this would hinder the State’s development.
Simultaneously, he said the government is committed to promoting pollution-free and environmental-friendly projects in the State.
“The government is fully conscious about conserving the environment. But that does not mean we should start opposing each and every project without any study,” Parsekar said, towing the Manohar Parrikar line, and added “continuous opposition to developmental projects is a major hindrance in running the State.”
Parsekar said it could be any project – airport or hotel — but “If it is planned on a barren plateau, we should not oppose it. We should look at such projects with a sympathetic view as they contribute to employment and revenue generation.”
The chief minister was speaking at the inaugural of the day-long workshop on ‘Role of Media and NGOs in Environment Conservation’, jointly organized by the Goa State Council for Science and Technology (SCST) and Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ).
Expressing concern over the hue and cry being raised by some people, unnecessarily, on proposed developmental projects without ascertaining the factual position, Parsekar said, “The jobs in government departments have reached a saturation point. Now, we have to look at the private sector to create employment. We should invite environment-friendly projects.”
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study of the Mopa airport is currently being undertaken and the preliminary report has given a green signal to government for executing the project.
The chief minister said the government is committed to create greater awareness about the importance of environment and efforts in this direction are already being initiated. “We need industries but at the same time, we should also take care of the environment so that ecological balance is maintained,” he said.
Parsekar urged the Department of Science and Technology to prepare a road map for settling environment issues in the State.
