Team Herald
PANJIM: Ahead of the State Assembly elections scheduled to be held soon, the Pramod Sawant-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on Sunday declared that each household in Goa will be provided 16,000 litres of free water every month from September 1 onwards.
Addressing the State on India’s 75th Independence Day, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, “The Government also intends to complete 100 infrastructure development projects by December 19 (60th Goa Liberation Day).”
The Chief Minister also announced that Greenfield International Airport at Mopa will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2022.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to protect River Mhadei, he said the State will not compromise on the issue.
The Chief Minister extended the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ to rural Goa which was currently restricted to only urban areas.
Sawant unfurled the tri-colour at the State level function held at Old Secretariat, Panjim.
Union Minister for State for Tourism Shripad Naik, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Rajesh Patnekar, Urban Development Minister Milind Naik, Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat and Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate were present.
“Under Har Ghar Jal, Goa became the first State to cover 100 percent households with tap water connections. The work to replace old pipelines is going on,” Sawant said.
“My government has decided to provide 16,000 litres of free water to every household, every month, from September 1 onwards. I am sure this will benefit the original Goans,” he said.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the event, Sawant said, “On an average, every domestic consumer requires 500 litres of water. If they (people) use wisely, then they will not have to pay,” he said adding that the scheme will cover all.
“Everyone is talking about free petrol but I think water is more important,” he said.
Chief Minister said despite the crumbling State finances due to COVID pandemic in last one-and-half years, the government dedicated itself to development projects and smooth implementation of social welfare schemes.
He said around 35.22 per cent work of the Mopa International Airport has been completed till date and the government plans to inaugurate the facility by August 15, 2022 at the hands of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Our aim is to complete 100 infrastructure development projects by December 19, this year under progressing Goa initiative,” he said.
On the Mhadei River issue, Sawant said that his government is committed to protect Mhadei River and there will be no compromise of any kind.
“My Government will never compromise on Mhadei and we will continue to fight till we win the battle…till we get our water,” he said.
The Chief Minister said government is working on revival of mining and tourism sectors.
He informed about the signing of MoU with Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited for mineral exploration which will help the government in auctioning the mining leases better.
Sawant thanked and applauded the efforts of the frontline workers right from doctors, nurses, sweepers, etc in fighting COVID-19. He said several critics tried to malign Goa’s image on COVID management.
“Despite everything, we continued our fight against COVID-19. Goa is also the first State in the country to cover 90 per cent of its population with the first dose and will soon be the first to achieve 100 per cent coverage.
As part of 60 years of Goa Liberation, Sawant said the government will hold several activities and events over next three months across the State. Women’s Parliament, Youth Parliament and Panchayat Parliament will be organised, he said.
He said under Swayampurna Goa programme, the government aims to provide housing, water and electricity, sanitation, healthcare and security to all, social schemes to all beneficiaries and to make Goa self-dependent in essential commodities.
With an aim to make Goa an educational hub, Sawant said the government has proposed to set up Forensic Science Institute and Law University in the State.
