PANAJI
Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral on Tuesday said the State government would seek a further extension with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) since the administration needed more time to complete the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
"Around 8,500 suggestions and objections have been received regarding the draft CZMP. Of course, many of them were just vague suggestions but some suggestions need to be studied. We need time for personally visit the places,” said Cabral, while speaking to media persons at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
“We will have to seek an extension to complete the CZMP and that will be done,” he said.
The NGT had given the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) a deadline of August 31 to complete the CZMP.
Meanwhile, Cabral said the State government would be strict in stopping the sale and purchase of Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi season.
“We will deploy all machinery such as the police, local administration and border checks to stop transportation and sale of PoP Ganesh idols. Those purchasing PoP idols will also be fined this time,” said Cabral.
The power minister assured that over 90 per cent of street lights would be made functional during this festive season.
