TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado on Monday asserted that the State’s financial position is not risky as is made out to be, even as he outlined the government’s commitment to give a big boost to the infrastructural needs of the State.
He said the long pending demand of a new bridge across River Zuari will be realised soon, while work on the much awaited Margao western bypass connecting Nuvem, Navelim and Dramapur with one link to Colva will be taken up simultaneously.
Addressing the Republic Day function at the South Goa Collectorate, Margao, Avertano said the State’s financial position is not risky as is made out to be, asserting that the government collected Rs 212 crore against Rs 190 crore collected last December as VAT Revenue.
He said the government decision to revoke suspension of all mining operations will pave way for the resumption of mining activity and help further recover the State’s revenue.
Without going into the controversy surrounding the proposed airport at Mopa, Avertano emphasised that plans are on to make the existing international airport at Dabolim an international hub.
Speaking further, Avertano said the government has taken the decision to use the 4.5 lakh sq. mt of land at the Kadamba plateau for the IT habitat and has also proposed setting up of an electronic city at Tuem Industrial Estate with an aim to generate employment to the youth.
Saying that living in harmony has been the basis of India’s culture and in particular Goa’s culture, the Fisheries Minister said that Goa can be proud of its prevailing communal harmony in which people live in for the past many years.
“India is a country with people belonging to diverse culture and we should live in harmony with each other, respecting each other’s beliefs and habits, and work hard to strengthen the bond of unity and strengthen national integration”, he added.
