Team Herald
PANJIM: Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik on Thursday urged the government to reconsider its plan to set up the solid waste management facility at Bainguinim as it is a notified UNESCO World heritage site.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking to the media, Naik said that the voices of the people must be heard.
“Old Goa is a UNESCO World heritage site and an international tourist destination. Public sentiment should also be taken into consideration before taking any decisions,” said Naik.
“I have discussed the issue with Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and have raised concerns before and will try to convince the government to shift the facility,” Naik said.
Naik maintained that he is not against the project but was against it coming up in Old Goa against the wishes of the public.
Commenting on Goa’s law and order situation, Naik expressed concern over the increasing involvement of police personnel in various cases, stating that it was tarnishing the reputation of both the police force and the government.
“Some unwanted incidents are a matter of concern. However, the government has taken action and is working to reduce such occurrences,” he said.
He further noted that the rise in tourist footfall in Goa has contributed to an increase in incidents involving outsiders.
“Earlier, the number of tourists visiting Goa was lower, but now it has increased significantly. If you analyse these incidents, most of the people involved are not from Goa,” he explained.
When asked about land grab accused Suleiman Siddiqui’s claim that he was forced to make a video confession at gunpoint, Naik stated:
“Investigations are ongoing. Everyone has their own perspective, but the government is taking all necessary steps to uncover the truth and present the facts.”
On the cash-for-job scam, he assured that the government is actively investigating the matter.
“The government is not silent on this. An inquiry is underway, and the truth will come out. Those guilty will be punished,” he said.
The garbage plant at Bainguinim is long overdue with project pending since 2002. However, villagers and panch members of Old Goa are up in arms over state government’s proposal to proceed with the plant which will have a capacity to process 250 tonnes per day.
