State cabinet on Friday has approved amendments to the Goa Dump Handling Policy 2023. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that in the initial phase, mining dumps located on private lands of former leaseholders who have already paid conversion fees will be managed.
The volume of these dumps is estimated to be around 10 million tons, with the government expecting revenue of Rs 200 crore from their handling. Under the revised policy, only exporters and leaseholders will be eligible to participate in e-auctions for the handling of mining dumps.
Additionally, the cabinet granted extensions to the Debt Relief Scheme for those affected by the mining ban, providing much-needed support to affected individuals and communities.
Other decisions made by the cabinet include:
• Approval for a feasibility study conducted by Deltares, a Netherlands-based independent knowledge institute specializing in water and subsurface solutions, to assess the implementation of beach nourishment and sand motor technology for addressing coastal erosion issues. The study, expected to be completed within a year, aims to explore innovative approaches to safeguarding Goa’s coastline.
• Authorization for the appointment of staff, including doctors and nurses, on a contract basis to operationalize Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at South and North Goa District Hospitals. This decision is crucial for enhancing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services for residents.
• Initiation of the process to provide touch screen TVs with interactive panels to each Panchayat and Municipality in Goa, facilitating improved communication and engagement with local communities.
• Announcement of the provision of PET scan facilities free of cost to patients at Goa Medical College Hospital, a significant step towards enhancing diagnostic services and healthcare accessibility.
• Approval for the creation of positions for a psychiatrist and social worker, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and providing comprehensive support services.
