PANAJI
Environment Minister, Nilesh Cabral on Thursday denied allegations by members of the Opposition that the quantum of coal handled at the port in Mormugao had increased.
"The quantum of coal handled at MPA has not increased. We are mindful of the threat of pollution. We have granted approval for building the dome which will enclose the coal handling areas and prevent pollution," Cabral told the Goa legislative Assembly.
He also said, that the air quality index (AQI) of Vasco city was between good and satisfactory, while responding to the discussion on the demands for grants related to the environment ministry.
Cabral also told the House that the Centre and the State government is working on a long term strategy to tackle the sea erosion along Goa's coast. He said, an international agency has been identified whose team is expected to come down shortly to inspect the erosion in many parts of the State's coastal belts.
"This team along with officials of the environment department and also NIO will hold inspections. They will then take up work at a couple of sites where the erosion is maximum like Benaulim and other areas," Cabral said.
Cabral also said, that the Centre is monitoring the tar ball phenomenon and remedial measures are being initiated.
The minister also said that he faced severe criticism from across the State when he took up the work of preparing and finalising the 'Coastal Zone Management Plan 2011' but made it a point to visit every taluka and hold hearings to listen to what they had to say.
"After the CZMP-2011 is now complete and approved, no one has any complaints," Cabral said, adding that in a similar manner he will now move forward in preparing the CZMP-2019, adding that the central agency based in Kerala has already been engaged for the task.
Cabral also said that the government will get rid of encroachments along the highways. “All encroachments along NH-66 will be removed within 2 months time”, Cabral assured the House.
He also informed that government is contemplating to bring all traffic signals under PWD and manage them collectively through Artificial Intelligence.
