Daijiworld Media Network—Panaji (CN)
From Sanjay Borkar

Panaji, Aug 23: The Goa government plans to  establish a modern renewable energy park in Margao, announced chief minister Digamber Kamat, recently. He was at a function to commemorate Rajiv Gandhi 'Akshay Urja Diwas', at the Goa Science Centre, Miramar.

The project will be established under the Goa energy development agency (GEDA), he added.  The function was organized by the GEDA in association with the ministry of new and renewable energy, government of India. Chief secretary J P Singh was also present on the occasion.

Elaborating on the proposed park the chief minister said the project is estimated to incur a cost of Rs 2 crore of which Rs 1 crore will be funded by the union government and the rest will be borne by the state government. It will be equipped with devices run on solar and wind energy and the facility to treat organic garbage.

The park will also be useful for the students to acquaint themselves with the process used in converting solar energy into electricity and about different softwares. The project is expected to be ready in 18 months time. Kamat said the use of renewable energy has increased in the country. But, in Goa, this energy is not being used more due to climatic conditions and the setting up of the park will help rectify this.

Referring to the observance of Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas,  Kamat recalled the enormous contribution made by the former Prime Minister towards the development of the nation. He said that Rajiv Gandhi was the architect of modern India and a great visionary due to whose contributions India has made great strides in the IT and telecommunications sector.

The chief minister and the chief secretary distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions organized by GEDA on the topic 'Renewable energy'. The chief minister also released a brochure brought out by the GEDA on the occasion. Earlier Dr N P S Varde, member secretary, GEDA, welcomed the guests.