Team Herald

PANJIM: At a time when several parts of Goa are reeling under water crisis, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his first presentation before NITI Aayog, stressed on rainwater harvesting and water conservation as thrust areas for his government.

Early resumption of iron ore mining activities, completion of Greenfield International Airport at Mopa in time-bound manner and Mhadei water dispute were also the demands put forth by Sawant before NITI Aayog, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday. 

This was his first presentation before the body after taking over as chief minister in March this year following demise of Manohar Parrikar.

“I spoke about government’s commitment towards water conservation by increasing the number of bandharas (check dams) and through other rainwater harvesting measures,” Sawant said in a statement released through social media. 

NITI Aayog, through its official tweeter handler also issued a statement that ‘rainwater harvesting is a major focus area in Goa’. 

“The State has focused on blue revolution and is in process of formulating a community farming policy,” Aayog said. 

Several parts of the State are facing severe water crisis with State receiving poor pre-monsoon showers and delay over onset of the South-West monsoon over the coast. 

Last week, Chief Minister had held meeting with PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar and State WRD Minister Vinod Palyekar to announce special measures to harvest rainwater. Government has decided to construct at least 200-300 check dams within a year and also to use abandoned mining pits for rainwater harvesting.

“In the NITI Aayog meeting I emphasized on early resumption of mining and completion of Mopa airport in time bound manner,” Sawant said. 

Iron ore activities in the State have come to halt since March 2018 following Supreme Court of India order to quash and set aside second renewals granted to 88 leases.

Sawant, during his Delhi visit had also met Union Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi and briefed him about the current crisis over mining industry and sought his immediate intervention. Union Minister has assured to provide all cooperation.