Goa to fund salt pan conservation, launch plantation drive along highways

PANAJI: (May 22) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced a series of new green initiatives aimed at biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods, including financial support for salt pan preservation and a large-scale bamboo plantation drive along highways.

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity here, Sawant said around 50 salt farmers in the state have been provided financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to preserve traditional salt pans.

He said the government is committed to protecting all salt pans in the state and is willing to enhance the aid beyond Rs 1 lakh if required to ensure their conservation for future generations.