Captured by : GOI has selected Goa
Labour and Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado, on Tuesday announced that the Central Government has selected Goa as the fourth State for the '24x7 power for all' programme. This, he said, is in sync with the government's commitment to ensure quality, reliable and affordable power supply to its consumers.
Furtado was speaking after unfurling the Tricolour and taking salute at the Republic Day celebrations at the South Goa Collectorate.
“Underground cabling has been carried out in many areas of South Goa, and more villages will be included this year,” he disclosed.
In his address, Furtado also touched upon various issues, especially affecting Salcete, like the dredging of River Sal and Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) at Sirvodem-Margao. Matters such as the government's efforts to streamline traffic and ease congestion, health issues, growth of fishing industry and IT Investment Policy also figured in his speech.
On Salcete, Furtado referred to the ongoing work of dredging and cleaning of River Sal, and added that the work will be completed in three months.
“Steps are being undertaken to keep this river free from pollution,” he added.
He also said the STP at Sirvodem-Margao will be fully operational by April this year, which will increase the capacity of the plant from 6 MLD to 20 MLD, thus benefiting Margao, Fatorda and Navelim areas.
“This will also reduce pollution of River Sal. Efforts are on to cover all major towns with sewerage network to achieve the goal of total sanitation and clean environment,” he mentioned.
Making a mention of the 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Selaulim dam, he claimed that the project is expected to be operational by March this year, which will provide better water supply to the talukas of Salcete and Mormugao.
Pegging the total amount to be spent on developmental works at Rs 10,000 crore during the course of the year, Furtado also highlighted the government's efforts to promote and develop the use of waterways for transportation, thereby reducing the cost of transportation and impact on road transport.
Referring to the fisheries industry, the Minister said upgradation of various fish landing centres, open sea cage culture for high value fish and mobile fish stalls have been undertaken by the government.
Earlier, Furtado also reviewed the parade and march past, which was followed by cultural programmes presented by students of Kendriya Vidhyalaya-1, Vasco who presented a song on the theme 'Swachh Bharat', while students of Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Margao showcased a meme act on 'promoting time bound delivery of services'. The celebrations concluded with the recital of the National Anthem.
