MARGAO
Saying he too is against coal and will not allow coal dumps in the state, Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Wednesday asserted that the government will not allow coal to come to Goa more than what is being brought now.
He further said that Goa would face power scarcity in the next 3-4 years in the event the power infrastructure is not toned up to meet the demand.
While assuring the people of Goa that there will be no coal dumps in the State, Cabral said the government would find out how to reduce the coal that is coming into the State.
“I am also against coal. I am making this statement, but what is coming cannot be stopped. We have to find a way out to reduce the coal coming into the State”, he said, while referring to the Save Mollem and Goyant Kollso Naka campaign.
Referring to the coal dumping that had taken place at Verna, he said a company had dumped the item at the Verna railway station and was later cleared.
“I want to promise to the people of Goa that there would be no coal dumps in the State”, he added.
On the Tamnar project, Cabral said he could see power scarcity hitting the State in the next 3-4 years if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.
“The State will be affected by power shortages in April and May. I had given a proposal to dismantle the 110 KVA line and put 400 KVA line”, he said.
Saying that he does not bat for the contractors, Cabral underscored the need to take a holistic view of the power scenario and find a solution.
On this count, the Minister said he is ready for a public debate on these issues at any place, adding that he is not afraid of a debate on any of these issues.
