Panaji: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that the government is making all efforts to reduce the coal handling at Mormugao Port Trust by 50 per cent and will attempt to completely stop coal operations in near future.
Speaking to reporters after post cabinet press briefings, Sawant reiterated that the Ports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will be in Goa and decision will be taken in this regard.
“Before we close coal handling at MPT, we need to also see an alternative as 1500 employees and 4000 pensioners are dependent on the port,” he said.
Sawant said that the cabinet has given him powers to discuss the issues with the Center and take appropriate decision and come to the conclusion.
“Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues has also raised several concerns. We will discuss the issue with the Ports Minister when comes in few days and take a call,” he said.
Further the Chief Minister also said that the double tracking and highway expansion projects are being discussed and debated, the 400 KVA Tamnar Power line Project in needed for the state.
“We need the Tamnar Power project as it is in the interest of the State,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that the State’s economic condition has improved by about 60 to 70 p.c.
“We have withdrawn the austerity measures circular from November 30 as the situation is better then what it was in April-May,” he said.
