PANAJI
The Goa government has estimated the damage caused by the recent cyclone Tauktae at RS 146 crore.
Speaking to the media after Friday's cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sawant said damage to power infrastructure, agriculture and horticultural crops, education infrastructure and fishing community cumulatively adds up to approximately Rs 146 crore.
Sawant said his government has approached the Central Government for relief funds and the administration has also written to the National Disaster Management Authority quantifying the damage caused by the cyclone.
Meanwhile the Goa cabinet zeroed in on the Swedish Environment Research Institute on a nomination basis for consultancy support and advice to the State government on its projects for conversion of waste to energy.
In another decision , the cabinet decided to tweek the government's existing scheme for providing free toilets. After the change, beneficiaries will have the choice of three options -- bio-toilet provided by the Solid Waste Management Department, build toilet on their own and get cost reimbursed or build it through Sulabh International.
The cabinet also approved several posts in the health department both on contract and a few regular positions, including microbiologist.
