Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said Goa will be made garbage free by 2020.

He was speaking after hoisting the tri-colour at the state level celebrations of India's 71st Independence Day at Old Secretariat in Panaji.

"Management of waste is a critical issue because of its adverse effect on all sectors. It would therefore be the endeavour of Government to make Goa Garbage free by 2020," he said.

Parrikar added, "Government embarked on the 'Swachh Bharat, Nital Goem' mission with the sole intention of maintaining the cleanliness in the state and further educating the people to be cleanliness conscious therefore making Goa clean and presentable."

The Chief Minister further said that there are several issues including the question of employment, drug menace which needs to be addressed.

"There is need for sense of dignity of labour to tackle these issues. Necessary instructions have been issued to the Police force. The youths however need to be given proper education, awareness and right direction so that they are not diverted towards such habits," he said.

Parrikar also said the fruits of Independence should be tasted by all and sought peoples' cooperation towards improvements of quality of education at the primary level.

Chief Minister presented Presidents Police Medal for distinguished services to Umesh Gaonkar, Suprintendent of Police, Presidents Police medal for meritorious services to Bosco George, Superintendent of Police, Vishram U Borkar, Superintendent of Police, Mahesh Gaonkar, Dy. S.P./SDPO, Mapusa and to Sunita Sawant, Dy.S.P./SDPO, Ponda and Terezinha T. D'Souza, Retired Dy. S.P. on the occasion.

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