PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has indicated that Goa’s complete dependence on external power supply will be addressed now that North Goa MP Shripad Naik has been appointed as the Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy.
“We are working on various renewable energy projects. Currently, we don’t generate power and are completely dependent (on external sources). While Naik will oversee his portfolios pan-India, Goa will benefit from his work. In the long run, the State will also benefit from his other portfolios,” Sawant stated in his first reaction to Naik’s new portfolio.
The MP, who took over his new charge on Tuesday, has already criticized the use of “environmental concerns” as a justification for opposing power infrastructure projects.
In his exclusive interview with The Goan published on Tuesday, Naik acknowledged that the government struggled to effectively communicate the importance of the Tamnar power line and other developmental projects to the people of Goa.
“I think the government has fallen short to convince the people. Proper steps should have been taken to create awareness amongst the people on the need for development and the importance of bringing the Tamnar power line to Goa,” he stated.
The MoS also slammed those who are opposing development solely on environmental grounds, arguing that the government must balance both development and environmental protection.
