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'Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats will prevent excessive mining'

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New Delhi, July 7 : Implementing the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats will prevent excessive mining in the region, union Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.


He said the report once implemented will also help the region avoid getting polluted due to the industries.

"The real importance of the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats is that excessive commercial mining and polluting industries will not be permitted in the region," Javadekar told reporters.

He said it will not have any impact on the livelihood of the people and that all fears about mining were misplaced and the misgivings must be done away with.

He reiterated that the effort was to protect and preserve the sanctity and environment of the Western Ghats, as envisaged by the Kasturirangan Committee and also ensure sustainable development in the region by providing livelihood opportunities.

Javadekar said a meeting was held to discuss the recommendations of the officials of the states who visited villages in the region and held discussions with the people.

"A majority of the people of the villages said they do not want polluting industries and commercial mining in their area. All the states have given their proposals and have also got public opinion, as well as scientific studies done," Javadekar said.

The government will finalise the decision on the Western Ghats by August-end, he said.