PANAJI
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday insisted on the need for conducting a scientific study on Goa’s carrying capacity with his comment subtly pointing to the growing trend among several non-Goans including government officers, seeking to make Goa their second home.
“Goa is the most beloved State in the country and everyone wishes to settle here. Even officers want to retire here. Goa has essentially become an extension of Delhi. Hence, a scientific study of Goa’s carrying capacity is needed,” he said while addressing the 50th anniversary event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, also present at the event along with Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira spoke about the importance of coordinated and comprehensive efforts from all stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices in the energy sector.
“We will continue to collaborate, work towards Goa’s development and embrace sustainable energy practices,” the CM said.
Sawant also detailed the government’s initiatives to manage various types of waste and urged industries to support these efforts.
“There’s often an argument that waste management is solely the government’s responsibility. This is not true. If we all start treating and converting waste, it could become wealth. Technology is available and industries can take the initiative to set up facilities. It will help the government in a big way and we are always available to provide full support including technology and setup for these projects,” he stated.
The CM further announced plans to establish a plant for treating e-waste and introduce new technology for sewerage waste management.
“We are committed to converting waste into energy and manure. We are also managing industrial and bio-waste on a public-private partnership basis,” he added.
Prabhu, also ex-Minister for Environment and Forests, further voiced strong support for protecting the Western Ghats’ ecosystem.
A TERI official conceded the view stating if it ceases to exist, not only the biodiversity would be impacted but the world would undergo ecological crisis.
“We can develop systems very effectively which will give energy and reduce carbon footprint on this planet,” she added.
The event also witnessed support for emission free vehicles. “When we speak about energy in the transportation sector, electric vehicles play a major role,” the TERI official added.
