Panaji, Mar 22: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar yesterday came down heavily on environmentalists opposing mining, saying the activity is crucial for financial well being of the state.
"Goa benefited by Rs 5,000 crore in last five years from the mining industry. We could have (implemented) so many developmental projects from that money, including roads", Parrikar told the Legislative Assembly yesterday.
The chief minister was speaking during the discussion on general Budget (2013-14).
Mining in the state has been put in abeyance since September, 2012 following a temporary ban imposed by the Supreme Court.
Alleging that the green activists are unaware of the ground realities as people dependent on legal mining have lost their source of livelihood, Parrikar said, "Who are these environmentalists to tell me not to support the people affected with the mining industry?...They talk sitting in their air conditioned rooms".
The state government earmarked funds in the Budget (2013-14) tabled recently, for those affected by closure of mining.
"I am not supporting mine-owners but for that (sins of mine owners) why should the common man be punished", Parrikar said.
He dismissed the allegations that his government gave out doles to those affected by closure of mines in the guise of schemes. "These are not the doles. There are some people who have driven truck for entire life", he added.
