Environmentalists shouldn't blindly oppose projects: CM Laxmikant Parsekar

PANAJI: Making a pitch for the proposed Greenfield International Airport project at Mopa, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today asked the environmentalists not to blindly oppose such projects.

"The government is fully conscious about conservation of environment. But that does not mean we should start opposing the projects without any study of it," Parsekar told reporters on the sidelines of a day-long workshop on 'Role of Media in Environmental Conservation'.

Without naming Mopa airport project, which has been facing opposition from certain quarters over environment and other issues, Parsekar said it could be any project - airport or hotel project.

"If it is planned on a barren plateau, we should not oppose it. We should look at such projects with a sympathetic view as they contribute to employment generation," he said.

The Greenfield International Mopa Airport project is planned in North Goa's Pernem taluka.

Parsekar said if new projects continue to be opposed, then employment generation would hit rock bottom.

"The jobs in government departments have come to a saturation point. Now, we have to look into the private sector to create employment. We should invite environment-friendly projects," he said.