Says resumption of mining and building of new Zuari bridge are top priorities
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a host of projects for Goa including one that would make it part of the proposed Sagar Mala project that would link all coastal states with a common rail, road and sea network. Modi also pledged his complete support to the construction of new Zuari Bridge when he visited the State on Saturday on his maiden visit after becoming PM and assured that the process for immediate resumption of iron ore activities has been initiated. The prime minister also assured support for upgrading tourism infrastructure in the state, while speaking to BJP workers at Taleigao and thereafter at Kala Academy, Panjim.
However, Modi’s maiden visit to Goa did not have any firm assurances on issues such as Special Status for Goa, and the financial package to mining stakeholders.
Prime Minister Modi also pushed for making Goa an educational hub by promoting institutions such as IIT and IITM and promoting employment.
On the Zuari bridge, Modi said that though the project was very expensive, it was a priority of the government to complete it in a time-bound manner.
“Keeping in mind the future of Goa, it is important that we build the new Zuari Bridge so that North remains connected with South. No doubt that the work is difficult and expensive but if not done in time then the South will remain in South and North in North,” Modi said adding ‘since South Goa has another Narendra (Sawaikar), more concentration has to be towards south’.
Speaking about mining issue, the Prime Minister admitted that the closure of the mining industry affected the State financially.
“I am aware of Goa’s financial problem. The living conditions of those dependent on mining has been very bad for last several months and as a result Goa’s economy has suffered,” he said.
Modi, who was expected to make some announcement about the resumption of mining, said that he has already initiated the process for resumption of mining activity. He said that all the ministers concerned related to mining industry have been directed to expedite the work for immediate resumption of mining in more better and comprehensive manner.
On the Sagar Mala concept, the Prime Minister, said that there was need to link all coastal states in the country by rail, road, sea and air and Goa would become a part of it.
Modi also stressed on the completion of development projects in time and hoped that that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar would
do this work within the scheduled time.
