Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 6: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that the state government is prioritising ecological restoration with a major focus on reviving nearly 18,000 hectares of Khazan land as part of its long-term climate resilience and sustainable agriculture strategy.

Speaking at the state-level programme marking the launch of a 90-day plantation drive, Sawant said the government had already signed an agreement with experts to restore the traditional Khazan lands and strengthen Khazan farming practices.

“We have already signed an agreement with experts so that if this 18,000-hectare Khazan land is revived, Khazan farming will be done very well,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that environmental protection cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and requires active public participation.

The state has launched a 90-day plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Green Goa, Clean Goa” campaigns, with a target of planting 10 lakh trees between June 5 and September 5. The initiative will cover the entire NH-66 corridor from Patradevi to Polem, including roadside stretches and medians.

Describing the campaign as a mass movement, Sawant urged every citizen to contribute.

“Every person must plant at least one tree in the next 90 days and make the Green Goa, Clean Goa mission successful,” he said.

He appealed to residents to make use of available spaces for plantation and assured that the government would provide fruit-bearing saplings free of cost.

“You plant them, and you take the fruits. We won’t take the fruits. We just want greenery,” he said.

Sawant added that the government would prioritise native fruit-bearing species such as jambhul and berry trees to expand green cover across the state.

The Chief Minister also called for greater participation from the corporate sector through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support the long-term maintenance of green spaces and landscaped stretches.

“Can we maintain them forever? It’s not possible alone. Under CSR, large-scale maintenance is possible,” he said.

Highlighting environmental conservation efforts already undertaken by the state, Sawant said Goa has notified 25 wetlands and rejuvenated 168 water bodies.

Referring to river restoration work, he said the 4.5-km Tar River had been desilted and restored.

“The 4.5-kilometre Tar River was desilted, and it is a joy to watch the water flow from there,” he said, noting that many people were previously unaware of the river's origin and course.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged citizens not only to plant trees but also to document their participation.

“Do not stay without planting a tree, and after planting it, do not stay without taking a photo, scanning, or uploading it,” he said.