Mining industry is backbone of state economy, says Digambar
BICHOLIM - Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said that the mining industry is the backbone of the state economy and therefore this industry must not suffer. There are damages and effects due to mining activities but if certain precautions are taken, the adverse effects can be minimised.
The Chief Minister asked the mine owners to shoulder their responsibility in safe-guarding the environmental growth and take measures for minimising pollution caused due to mining activities.
Mr Kamat was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of "Mega Tree Plantation Programme" held recently at Chowgule mines, at Pale, Bicholim. The programme has been undertaken by the Goa Iron Ore Exporters Association in collaboration with Mineral Foundation of Goa and the forest department of Goa.
The minister for forest, Mr Philip Neri; director of Chowgule mine company, Mr Ashok Chowgule; the director of Salgaonkar company, Mr Shivanand Salgaonkar; the executive officer of MFG, Mr Swaminathan Shridhar and Mr Rajesh Yaduvanshi were present as special invitees on the occasion.
Mr Kamat said that under "mega tree plantation programme" about 17 lakh trees would be planted all over Goa this monsoon season.
Mr Kamat asked the people to plant trees in order to maintain the environment balance. He also said that people should not oppose mining for the sake of opposing it on the contrary there is need to lessen the gap of understanding between people and mining industrialists. He came down heavily on the opposition who make baseless allegations and criticise the government and said that people should not get misguided by such false propaganda.
The forest minister, Mr Neri said that people should cooperate with the government for making government schemes and programmes successful. He also asked the people to see that the trees planted survive and added that at least 80 per cent of the trees planted should survive by proper maintenance.
The trees were planted at Chowgule mines by guests on the occasion. Mr Salgaonkar and Mr Chowgule also spoke on the occasion. Mr Parag Ranganekar compered the function.
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