Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reiterated that his government will prevent any development in No Development Zones (NDZ) and low-lying agricultural areas in Goa. He urged residents to avoid filling up paddy fields to set up commercial establishments like shops and scrapyards, warning that such actions would cause irreparable damage to these fields for future generations in exchange for short-term financial gains.
He emphasized that the government has committed to preventing further development in NDZs and low-lying agricultural fields.
“Filling up agricultural fields to build commercial establishments may bring a short-term profit of Rs 50,000, but it will permanently damage these lands for the next 100 years,” Sawant stated, reaffirming that the government has placed a ban on conversions, sales, and construction in such areas. He urged the public to support the government’s efforts to safeguard Goa’s agricultural land and prevent further conversions.
Sawant also highlighted the importance of the Cyclone Shelter Centres, part of a broader initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance disaster preparedness along India’s coastal regions. Goa has already constructed 11 of the 12 planned shelters at an estimated cost of Rs 85 crore, and the remaining project will soon be completed.
“The Centre has allocated Rs 119 crore for these cyclone shelters in Goa, and we are also preparing to launch an early warning system. An additional Rs 2.5 crore will be allocated for training various stakeholders in disaster management,” the Chief Minister said.
