‘Focus on infra dvpt, saving Goan greenery’

Vishwajit Rane, 55, is Goa’s senior cabinet minister, who is playing a crucial role in the state’s development. Son of former CM Pratapsinh Rane, he has a long track record as an administrator and politician, with deep roots among Goans. He is currently handling multiple portfolios of heath, women and child welfare, urban development, town and country planning. He spoke to FPJ’s executive editor S Balakrishnan on a range of topics in a free-wheeling interview.

- S Balakrishnan

Excerpts:

Q. There has been a lot of discussion about Goa’s development, with certain persons raising environmental concerns. Would you agree that responsible and regulated development is possible and also essential for creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening the state’s economy?

A. I totally agree. If you go by the definition of regulated development, you already have got everything in place. You have to have a vision for the state as to what it will look like in 15-20 years. The need is for a proper ecosystem in which the people's interests are woven. We are giving lot of weightage to infrastructure development, while ensuring that it is not at the cost of the people. We are encouraging people to invest in Goa. But when they come here, they should have proper infrastructure in terms of good roads, education, health etc. That is the ecosystem I am talking about. I am not for uncontrolled development. Under no circumstance I will let the culture, ethos and environment of Goa be destroyed.

Q. A narrative is sought to be created that development automatically harms Goa’s environment. But with modern sustainable planning and strict government monitoring, don’t you think that growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand?