Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar on Monday said the Goa government has rejected applications seeking land conversion in command areas and clarified that the conversion proposal related to the Pernem Delta Corporation project has been kept on hold.

Speaking on Prudent's Head On, Shirodkar said no permission would be granted for land conversion in command areas, reiterating the government's commitment to protecting irrigated agricultural land.
The Minister also said the State has sought approval from the Central Government for desilting the Anjunem Dam. The desilting work will begin once the required clearance is received. In addition, repair and restoration works on the Tillari canal network will be taken up to improve water distribution.
Shirodkar said the government's long-term objective is to make Goa tanker-free over the next few years by strengthening the state's water infrastructure and improving irrigation facilities.
Responding to political questions, the Minister said there was no need for speculation over Ponda, describing it as both BJP's and Ravi Naik's constituency.
On the possibility of an alliance with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Shirodkar said the BJP does not require the MGP, but clarified that any decision on alliances would be taken by the party's central leadership.
Commenting on the ongoing differences involving the Dhavalikar camp, Shirodkar said the issue is currently confined to the Zilla Panchayat elections and that the party will take a call on the matter after the polls.