In Short : The Chief Minister emphasized that only units adhering to green practices are welcome in the state. This statement underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. The CM’s stance aims to promote eco-friendly industrial growth, ensuring that new investments align with the state’s environmental goals and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
In Detail : Stating that government can only make rules and regulations for a greener Goa, but the best green practices will have to come from the industry, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that henceforth only the industries that use energy efficiently, manage waste properly and take steps to reduce plastic will receive support from the state.
“Industry will have to follow the best practices if they want to continue operating in Goa,” he said bluntly. “The government will only support industries that follow the best practices. Otherwise, close your shop and go,” said Sawant.
He said no permissions will be given to industries, fish processing units and restaurants that do not possess effluent treatment plants (ETPs).
Sawant was speaking at the valedictory session of Green Goa Summit 2024, a day-long event held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula. He said green Goa cannot be achieved by the government alone and that the industry will have to come forward to accomplish the goal.
“Goa is ahead in green practices compared to other states. In solid waste management, we are the leader with two plants, in Saligao and Curchorem. In bio-medical waste, the plant in Kundaim is a world-class one, and in treatment of industrial waste, Goa is in the forefront through the facility in Pissurlem,” the Chief Minister said. “In solar energy, the state is trying to meet the target of 150 MW of solar energy by 2025,” he said.
The summit brought together experts and thought leaders from the environment sector. The experts deliberated on the challenges faced by Goa in sustainable development and the way forward for the state.
Sawant pointed out that the government was fully committed to implement recommendations of the experts in areas like coastal zone management and sustainable tourism. “The government will not only take the recommendations seriously, but actively implement them,” he said.
Earlier in the morning, the event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik in the presence of former Union minister Suresh Prabhu, Goa’s Minister for Environment, Law & Judiciary Aleixo Sequeira, Goa State Pollution Control Board chairman Mahesh Patil, Vibrant Goa Foundation chairman Raj Kumar Kamat and Development Alternatives’ chairman Dr Ashok Khosla, among others.
The summit discussed circular economy, preservation of biodiversity, oil recovery and remediation among other practices for green Goa.
