Panaji, February 18 The North Goa District Mineral Foundation Trust (NGDMFT) approved the solarisation of all gram panchayats in the mining belt and other projects at its 16th governing council meeting on Wednesday, officials said.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of North Goa Collector and NGDMFT Chairman Ankit Yadav, reviewed proposals worth Rs 22 crore for the development of areas affected by mining.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, MLAs Premrendra Shet and Deviya Rane, ex-officio members of the trust, and representatives from various government departments.
According to officials, the council reviewed key proposals already sanctioned by the NGDMFT, amounting to more than Rs 22 crore. These initiatives focus on skill development, education, healthcare, rural development, and animal husbandry in mining-affected areas of North Goa.
New projects amounting to more than Rs 5.5 crore were also approved during the meeting, including the solarisation of all gram panchayats in the mining belt, the procurement of IT equipment for schools in mining-affected regions, and the de-silting of agricultural land to support farmers.
In the energy sector, "solarisation" refers to either the conversion of existing infrastructure to solar power or the installation of solar panels to provide electricity.
Officials said that these initiatives are aimed at ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life in areas affected by mining activities in North Goa.
The District Mineral Foundation Trust utilises funds collected from mining operations to undertake welfare and infrastructure projects in affected communities.
