MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced that the government has completed the approval process for the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2011 and will soon present the draft CZMP 2019 for public consultation.
The finalisation of this plan, he said, will promote coastal tourism and enable the government to take action against illegal structures in these areas.
Presenting the state budget, the Chief Minister allocated Rs 16 crore to the Environment Department for various initiatives.
Among these is a proposal to introduce a ‘plastic buy-back scheme’ with incentives for returning plastic waste, along with stricter penalties for littering.
Sawant reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the identity and heritage of islands such as Divar and Vanxim by formulating a special policy that promotes responsible local investment and sustainable tourism.
The government is also launching a pilot project on beach nourishment, in collaboration with Deltares (Netherlands), and key central government agencies including NIO, NIOT, NCCR, and NCSCM.
In another significant move, the Goa State Wetland Authority will form Lake Management Committees involving public participation to prepare integrated management plans for protecting notified wetlands.
The government has also proposed a scheme for the conservation and revival of salt pans, which will be implemented through the Goa State Biodiversity Board. Additionally, degraded mangroves will be restored as part of a mission-mode initiative.
An allocation of Rs 4 crore has been made to the Biodiversity Management Committee to support activities such as biodiversity registration, biodiversity gardens, startup funding, conservation efforts and the development of a biodiversity-themed park.
Further, the government has proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence-based tools for tree health monitoring, leveraging advanced technology to enhance environmental conservation efforts in the State.
