PANAJI: Transport minister Mauvin Godinho said that the new Motor Vehicle Act will be implemented from January 1, 2021.
"Already there is a delay. We cannot further delay the implementation of the new Motor Vehicle Act. We will implement it from January 1", said the Transport Minister.
The new Motor Vehicle Act has provisions for heavy penalties which many people have opposed.
While speaking on fixing meters to taxis, Mauvin said that meters will be fixed from January 1.
"We have told AG to place before the high court that the meters will be fixed in taxis from January 1 as it was delayed due to Covid crisis," said Mauvin.
Meanwhile speaking on the coal issue, Mauvin said that coal handling at MPT should not exceed 5 MT at any cost. "There should be minimum handling of coal. It should not exceed more than 5 MT," he stated.
Mauvin alleged that as the elections are approaching, the Opposition is trying to capitalize by fuelling the issue. He said that when iron ore export starts, then coal handling at the port will automatically reduce and added that the state should handle minimum coal which can cater to local state industries and broader area's energy needs.
Mauvin also alleged that it was the Congress that had given permission for coal handling at MPT.
He suggested that a huge dome like structure which has been erected in Jaigad port to be erected at MPT to arrest coal pollution during handling. “The government should have more pollution control measures even if the coal handling is 4-5 MT,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mauvin strongly advocated the need of extension of the power line.
"With development, the power requirement is increasing and extension of powerline is a need. Only 10-15 thousand trees will be cut for the project and 7 towers will come in the protected area," he said,
