the goan I network
MARGAO
A day after the Supreme Court gave its nod for the Mopa airport, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant held out an olive branch to environmentalists as he took the platform of the Goa Yuva Mahotsav on Friday to convey a message that his government is ready to lend its ears to discuss all issues, including issues concerning the environment, but at the same time blamed the Greens for stopping mining and putting spokes in Mopa and other projects initiated by the government.
Apparently buoyed by the Apex Court’s clearance, the Chief Minister announced that the Mopa international airport will be an engine of economic growth, providing employment opportunities to the Goan youth and exuding confidence that the Mopa airport will go into operation by 2022.
“Many issues are being discussed during the Goa Yuva Mahotsav. I welcome discussions because I don’t fear the critics. We are living in a democracy and India is the largest democracy. Environmentalists, NGOs and opposition air their views on issues of environment and I want to tell everyone that the government is ready to listen to everyone,” the Chief Minister said.
Saying that he had lend his ears to everyone that had approached him with issues, the Chief Minister said he has engaged himself with many groups as well as critics during his nine-month stint in office and is ready to discuss and listen to anyone on issues facing the State.
Asserting that the government will not tolerate any attempt to destroy the environment, the Chief Minister said that the people of Goa, including the youth, should ensure that they not only protect the State’s identity, but its environment as well, including the rivers, forests, hills, etc. “Every Goan, including the youth and people in general, irrespective of affiliations should protect our rivers, forests, etc. Along with protecting our identity, the citizens should put its efforts to protect the environment,”
he said.
The Chief Minister, however, made a plea to the youth to discuss contentious issues, including issues concerning the environment and bring them in public domain. “Discussions and deliberations will help to bring before the public what is right and wrong. Some environmentalists have been responsible for stopping mining, Mopa airport and other projects initiated by the Goa government. Through discussions, the youth can place the issue in right perspective in public domain,” Sawant added.
