![Goa Govt to link funds to green certification of Panchayats and other bodies, says CM Sawant](http://media.assettype.com/heraldgoa%2Fimport%2Fuploads%2Fnews%2F222204_WEB-PHOTO-2.png?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the State Government will consider linking funds to green certification of Panchayats for efficient Solid Waste Management. The Chief Minister was speaking on the account of World Environment Day celebrations, at Maquinez Palace, Panjim.
“The Goa State Pollution Control Board and the government have come up with an initiative to give a green certificate to industries, local bodies and government departments, who are genuinely determined to work in making our land, green and clean. Industries which use efficient ETPs and STPs to treat their industry water will be given a green certificate. Not only industries, but even schools and higher secondary schools will also receive a green certificate,” CM Sawant said.
Meanwhile, CM also said that if any Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) plant doesn’t function well, the companies will be forced to shut down as they will not be allowed to release the waste water to Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) without being treated at the ETP. All industries will have to treat their water at their ETPs.
Furthermore, he affirmed that it is not only the government's responsibility but also the citizens. “If every individual takes a small step in addressing the problems and bringing solutions related to the environment, we can live a peaceful life in harmony with nature,” Sawant said.