GIDC nod for water recharge plan
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 22
The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) today gave its stamp of approval for funding the implementation of the rain water harvesting and the ground water recharge plan, at the Verna Industrial Estate.
The decision was taken at the 318th meeting of the GIDC board, which was chaired by Quepem legislator Babu Kavlekar.
The project, to be taken up at a cost of Rs 2,41,32,000 would be partially funded by the Department of Science Technology and Environment (DSTE) and the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The DSTE and the GSPCB will contribute Rs 15 lakh each for the project.
GIDC Chairman Babu Kavlekar, speaking to Herald, said that the plan for the project was drawn by experts – Som Sundarama, Senior Hydrogeologist (Water Resources Department) and Goa University professor Dr A G Chachadi.
“The plan and estimates for the project were ready for some time but was held up only due to finance,” Kavlekar said.
He further stated that the GIDC requested the industries to contribute for the project but since nothing came forward the corporation itself decided to go ahead with it.
“The GIDC will now deposit the money with the WRD which will undertake the project,” he said.
He said 14 sites have been identified for the project in different phases of the estate. Apart from 14 pits there would be one bandara.
“Residents and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have made several complaints against the bore wells being dug by the industries. This project will put an end to such complaints as it will increase the ground water table,” Kavlekar stated.
The Quepem legislator said after the completion of the project the corporation will again request the entrepreneurs to contribute for the project as it will benefit them.
Unused plots: Keeping up the assurance given by the Chief Minister Digamabar Kamat in the assembly, the GIDC has started taking possession of unused plots by entrepreneurs.
Kavlekar said that after taking the possession of the unused land the GIDC has converted them into small plots of 500 and 1000 square meters each for re-allottment to other industrial units.
“In all we have around 83 plots ready with the GIDC and the process for re allotting them will start soon,” Kavlekar said.
The plots are in four industrial estates of Kundaim, Pissurlem, Cacora and Betul.
Power cuts: The GIDC has decided to convene a joint meeting of the industries minister, power minister, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) over complaints of power failures in the industrial estates.
“There were several complaints from the industrial units and therefore we have decided to sort out this problem once and for all,” he said.
