Staff Reporter
Margao
South Goa District Collector and chairperson of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Egna Cleetus, on Wednesday said that nine key projects aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps and welfare concerns in mining-affected areas of the district have received sanction.
The projects, funded through DMF, are intended to benefit residents of Sanguem, Curchorem, Quepem, and Dharbandora.
“Four of these projects were proposed by the police department for the first time to enhance public services, including the provision of two hearse vans for dignified transportation of deceased individuals in remote areas,” said Cleetus. She added that these projects will improve access to healthcare and emergency services in affected regions.
Cleetus on Wednesday chaired a meeting attended by MLAs from mining-affected constituencies, including Nilesh Cabral, Ganesh Gaonkar, Altone D’Costa, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, and Navelim MLA Ulhas
Tuenkar.
Among the approved infrastructure proposals is the construction of a culvert in Curchorem, aimed at mitigating flood risks in the area. The proposal was submitted by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
“A material recovery facility (MRF) shed has been sanctioned for Dharbandora to strengthen waste management infrastructure,” Cleetus said. “We’ve also approved a solar power project for the Mollem and Collem areas to address persistent electricity issues and provide a renewable energy alternative.”
Smart boards have also been sanctioned for schools in the mining-affected regions to boost digital learning.
Cleetus said that new standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been drafted to streamline the approval and implementation of DMF projects. “These SOPs will eliminate bureaucratic delays, ensuring timely delivery of services to those most impacted by mining activities,” she
said.
