CM Sawant asks Centre for early finalisation of Goa CZMP 2019

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday called upon Union home minister Amit Shah, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi.
He urged the environment minister for early finalisation of Goa’s 2019 coastal zone management plan (CZMP).
“Discussed about the villages proposed to be dropped from the ESA notification. Additionally, requested for early finalisation of the CZMP, 2019,” said Sawant, post the meeting.
The National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram, has prepared the CZMP 2019 for Goa.
With regard to the ecologically sensitive areas (ESA), Goa govt has urged the Centre to drop around 29 villages from the prospective list of ESA in the Western Ghats. In all, Goa govt wants 79 villages to be identified as ESAs while the Centre’s proposal suggests 108 villages.
On Wednesday, Sawant also met Sitharaman, wherein he reiterated Goa's demand before the 16th Finance Commission “for an enhanced share in the devolution of taxes”. The CM called it a key proposal, aimed at fostering the state's development and progress.
Sawant said he also met the Union home minister and “briefed him on various initiatives in the state and sought his guidance”.