TEAM HERALD
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KARWAR: Claiming that Goa is losing about Rs 20,000 crore annually due to the mining ban, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday stated that mining is required, but not at the cost of environment.
Speaking to media after attending several public meetings in Karwar to canvass for Anand Asnotikar, Parrikar said the mining policy should be reconsidered, as the country is losing Rs 80,000 crore worth foreign exchange due to the closure of mining in India.
With regard to solving the Mhadai issue, he said the issue is pending before the tribunal. “One has to accept the judgment, whatever it may be. Giving priority to drinking water is one thing, but diverting the flow of river is not correct,” said Parrikar.
“It is learnt that some work of digging canal in Kankumbi-Karnataka is going on and we have brought the matter to the notice of the Tribunal,” said Parrikar.
He further said: “We have temporarily given concession to the vehicles registered with Karwar RTO from paying entry tax. After election in Karnataka, we will take a proper and final decision,” he added.
