Goa Government Commits to Preserving Agricultural Land Amid Development Projects

Margao: Agricultural land will not be available for sale to anyone, said chief minister Pramod Sawant emphasising that govt is vigilant about preserving agricultural areas and that public cooperation is essential in this effort. He also advised against selling low-lying lands for commercial purposes such as scrapyards or shops, urging their preservation for future generations.

The chief minister was speaking at the inauguration of a cyclone shelter at Aquem, Margao, where he also handed over approval documents for a free dialysis centre to be operated by Keshav Seva Sadhana. The dialysis facility will house 10 beds and is expected to benefit patients from the area.

“We must protect our agricultural heritage and natural resources,” said Sawant. “Low-lying fields must be preserved rather than filled for commercial development.”

The function was also attended by water resources minister Subhash Shirodkar, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, and South Goa collector Egna Cleetus.

Kamat said that all demands for Margao’s development would be met, including plans to beautify the old district office and municipal building while preserving the historic old Hospicio. “We aim to transform Margao into a heritage city within a year,” said Kamat.

The cyclone shelter is part of a larger 119-crore project approved by govt to build 12 such centres across Goa. Of these, 11 are already completed. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, Kamat said.

Shirodkar announced that several projects will be undertaken on the Selaulim dam, while water storage projects will be set up on the Kushawati, the Sal, and at Mirabag to ensure a stable water supply throughout the state by 2047.

Speaking to reporters later, Sawant said that Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd will not be allowed to resume operations at its Naqueri-Betul facility until the company ensures 100% safety precautions are in place.