It's time for Goans to do introspection: Kamat NT NETWORK Posted on 2008-12-20
MARGAO- The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Friday said that the time has come for Goans to do introspection with regard to development. He said that the people have developed a negative approach towards development and have been opposing everything, be it a garbage treatment plant or any project in the name of protecting Goan identity. "Goa has done a lot of progress and there is still scope for further development, however, the people are now opposing everything," the Chief Minister said and added that it is important for people to draw a line with regard to development. Mr Kamat, who was speaking after commissioning the 6.3 MVA 33/11kV Carmona sub-station and the underground cabling from Cavelossim to Benaulim, on Friday morning said that the sub-station along the coastal belt was the need of the hour as the people faced a lot of hardships with power cuts, especially, during the monsoon. Speaking further, Mr Kamat said that the foundation stone for the state-of the-art 450 bed district hospital in Margao will be laid on December 30. "The hospital will cost around Rs 60 to 70 crore. The ESI Hospital will be upgraded to a super speciality hospital at an approximate cost of Rs 44 crore," he informed. The function, which was also attended by the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, the Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira, the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, the Urbam Development Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao, sarpanchas of Carmona, Orlim, Cavelossim and Varca, besides electricity department officials. Speaking on the occasion, the Power Minister said that the people of Carmona, Orlim, Cavelossim, Varca and surrounding areas will have a 'White Christmas' and said that it is the endeavour of the government to provide regular and constant power supply. "50 per cent of the problems related to irregular power supply can be solved if the consumers co-operate with the department," he noted. Mr Sequeira urged the people not to grow plants near or under power lines as they cause a lot of damage to the over-head lines and added, "the people of Carmona, Orlim, Cavelossim and Varca need not register their complaints with the Benaulim sub-station. Their complaints will be serviced from the Carmona sub-station itself." Speaking further he said that underground cabling of the entire coastal belt will be taken up shortly and that a proposal has been sent to the Centre for approval under the APDRD scheme. "The government is committed to taking up developmental projects, which will benefit the common man in the entire state," said the Urbam Development Minister. "Development in the state is a blessing from God. Even though Goa has been liberated almost a decade and a half after India's Independence, Goa has moved much ahead as compared to other states," said the PWD Minister while speaking on the occasion. Mr Churchill Almao urged the chief secretary to take strong action against hoax callers, who are spreading romours in the state. Mentioning that the parties will go on, he said that that the Section 144 of the CrPC has been withdrawn and added that the hotel industry and taxi operators besides others have suffered aftermath of the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. Navhindtimes.com:
