Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday criticized “some NGOs” for unwanted opposition towards projects envisaged by Narendra Modi-led and state government.
Sawant was addressing the gathering after inaugurating India’s first ever floating jetty in Panaji in presence of Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya.
“Whenever we try to do something (developmental work), some NGOs, who consider themselves as Non Government Organisation start opposing them,” the chief minister said, without referring to any particular project.
“First they (NGOs) should understand the project, know how it will benefit the people and the state. Whether it will really impact the environment, and then make their opinion,” Sawant said.
“But there is a trend that whenever Modi-led government or state government take up some big works, they start objecting it,” he said.
“There are protests against the project. We should try to know what is beneficial for the state,” Sawant added.
The chief minister thanked the union minister (Mandaviya) for sanctioning floating jetty for Goa, which is country’s first ever such project.
“We are more thankful to him (minister) because he has already assured another three such jetties for Goa,” he stated.
The chief minister said that state’s inland waterways which has huge potential are under-utilised.
“We have noticed that several barges (ships carrying iron ore) which were dependent on mining business are rusting at various points after the industry stopped. If inland waterways had to be developed, they would have got the required business,” he said.
Sawant also said that the capacity of Mormugao Port Trust, located in the state, is under-utilized. “We are utilizing only 50 per cent capacity of MPT. We should increase its utilization to solve Goa’s economical and employment generation issues,” he added.
