Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Apr 6: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday made it clear that agricultural land will not be available for sale, reiterating the state government’s firm stand on preserving agricultural areas. He emphasised that public cooperation is crucial in this mission and warned against converting low-lying fields into commercial sites like scrapyards or shops.

“We must protect our agricultural heritage and natural resources. Low-lying fields must be preserved rather than filled for commercial development,” Sawant said while inaugurating a cyclone shelter at Aquem, Margao.

On the occasion, Sawant also handed over approval documents for a free dialysis centre to be run by Keshav Seva Sadhana. The facility will have 10 dialysis beds and aims to benefit patients in the region.

The event was attended by Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, and South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus.

Highlighting Goa’s disaster preparedness, officials noted that the cyclone shelter is part of a Rs 119 cr state-wide initiative to set up 12 cyclone shelters, with 11 already completed. The project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, said Kamat.

Speaking about urban development, MLA Kamat assured that all demands for Margao’s progress would be met. He announced plans to beautify the old district and municipal buildings, while preserving the historic Hospicio hospital. “We aim to transform Margao into a heritage city within a year,” Kamat said.

Minister Shirodkar announced several key water projects to ensure long-term water security for Goa. Plans include new water storage initiatives at Selaulim Dam, and on the Kushawati, Sal, and Mirabag rivers to meet the state's needs by 2047.

Later, addressing reporters, CM Sawant assured that Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd will not be allowed to resume operations at its Naqueri-Betul facility unless it guarantees 100% safety compliance.