Panaji: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday called for transforming the highway network in Goa into a “green highway” through scientific landscaping and innovative infrastructure, while stressing that there should be no compromise on the quality of road works.
Gadkari was speaking after inaugurating the six-lane elevated corridor at Porvorim in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, state Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and others.
The Union minister said a proper study should be conducted before undertaking landscaping along the highway to identify suitable flowering trees and species that can absorb more carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
“Proper study should be conducted to determine which flowering trees and species should be planted, and which species absorb more carbon dioxide and release oxygen,” he said.
Gadkari cautioned against arbitrary tree plantation by contractors merely to obtain completion certificates and payments.
He urged Sawant and all MLAs to cooperate in making the entire highway a “green highway” and suggested developing it on the lines of an “oxygen park”.
Gadkari said he had developed an oxygen park in Nagpur and suggested that Goa could undertake an innovative and world-class project that would be a matter of pride for the country.
The Union minister also stressed the importance of good infrastructure in driving economic development, saying improved water, power, transport and communication infrastructure attracts investment, creates employment and helps reduce poverty.
Quoting former US President John F Kennedy, Gadkari said, “American roads are not good because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good.”
He expressed confidence that better roads would put Goa on the path of progress and development and said the state could become one of the most progressive and prosperous states in the country under Sawant’s leadership.
Gadkari also called for making Goa free from water, air and noise pollution and urged authorities to ensure that waste does not enter the sea.
“Not a single piece of waste should enter the sea,” he said, emphasising the need for clean and pure water.
The minister called for a comprehensive traffic study in Goa, suggesting measures such as consolidating markets, shifting warehouses outside cities, improving bus depots and synchronising traffic to ease congestion.
Referring to the road infrastructure connected with the newly inaugurated corridor, Gadkari said a facility that currently has two lanes would provide a ten-lane capacity after completion of the bridge, with four lanes below.
He said the lower road had been designed with four lanes, footpaths, lighting and other facilities.
Gadkari also called for removal of encroachments along roads and said necessary action should be taken to prevent accidents.
He advocated greater use of alternative fuels and technologies, including electric, hydrogen and flex-fuel vehicles, as part of efforts to reduce pollution.
Linking infrastructure development with environmental protection, Gadkari urged the Goa government to integrate tree plantation with the project and work towards making the state cleaner and more beautiful.
“Goa should become the most beautiful city in India under your leadership,” he said.
