Vasco: Hitting out at the opponents to the Blue Flag Certification and Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), Environment and Minister Nilesh Cabral defended the government’s decisions and pointed out how it can help the State.
Cabral, who is also the Power Minister, was speaking at the inaugural function of the Information Technology (IT) Exposition at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina organised by Computer Dealer’s Forum of Goa (CDFG).
He said that the IT exposition is beneficial for the students as they can experience and learn futuristic technology.
“Students who are below the age of 20 should look at it and learn the futuristic technology and students above 20 should try to see and improvise with the changing technology,” said Cabral.
Comparing how far technology has taken the world today to the time years ago, when computers had just started becoming part of various professions, he recalled that there was anxiety amongst the people about potential job losses. He added that instead, the computers and technology generated other forms of employment, which was not there before.
Against the backdrop of this analogy, Cabral when asked about the Blue Flag certification issue said that the concept is good and is seen all over the world.
He opined that that the Blue Flag certification of beaches will put the system in place and that it is necessary for a tourist State like Goa. He also said that some panchayats are opposing CZMPs without giving alternate solutions.
“If Blue Flag certification of beaches is done, then the specific areas for the fishing trawlers, ramponnkars to do their business will be demarcated along with areas for other people to carry out their leisure and recreational activities. It will help in putting the system in place, “he added.
When asked about the opposition to the concept, he said he did not want to comment about it and that the Chief Minister will be personally looking into this matter but reiterated that Blue Flag is essential for Goa’s tourism.
Responding to a query on when Blue Flag certification will materialise, Cabral said that there are few people who come forward to misguide people.
Citing the example of the CZMP plan, which has received flak from members of the public, Cabral said that people get misguided and then tend to simply oppose the CZMP without giving any constructive suggestions or alternative solutions.
“ I have received around 374 suggestions from panchayats and half of them just say that they don’t want it but fail to elaborate on what suggestions they would like to make” added the environment minister
