Govt to launch waste management technician course in ITIs

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said Goa will become the first state in the country to introduce a waste management technician course to create a skilled workforce in the sector. The course will be offered through industrial training institutes (ITIs).Launching the 90-day Green Goa, Clean Goa campaign, aimed at planting 10 lakh trees across the state, Sawant said an agreement has been signed between the directorate of skill development, Goa State Pollution Control Board and the Goa Waste Management Corporation to start the course. He said state govt spends crores of rupees annually to keep Goa clean.Sawant said govt has also initiated the development of green corridors along state and national highways. He added that 18,000 hectares of khazan land will be revived to boost agriculture in the state.The chief minister said 10 lakh saplings will be planted across Goa between June 5 and Sept 5. He urged people to plant trees on their own land and consume more fruits. “Govt will provide fruit-bearing trees. Eat fruits and provide oxygen to others,” Sawant said. He also asked citizens to click photographs while planting trees and upload them on govt website.Sawant said the state is investing in waste management, renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. “We all have to work collectively to achieve these goals,” he said.The chief minister said Goa has 68% green cover and praised the efforts of the environment department. “Goa has the highest green cover in the country. Sixty-five wetlands have been notified, and 68 water bodies have been rejuvenated,” Sawant said, adding that rejuvenation work on a 4.5km stretch of the Tar river has been completed.Sawant said more than 7,000 houses in Goa have installed rooftop solar systems and urged more people to adopt solar energy. He added that the state is also promoting biogas and biofuels. According to Sawant, the govt’s environmental awareness initiatives reflect its commitment to protecting the environment. “Environmental protection is not only the responsibility of govt, it is a collective effort,” he said.