Will discuss with experts before banning sand mining in Narmada: CM
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the state government will consult experts and environmentalists on whether there should be ban on sand mining in Narmada. He was responding to the Congress’ demand of a resolution declaring a blanket ban on mining on the river.
Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the state government will consult experts and environmentalists on whether there should be ban on sand mining in Narmada. He was responding to the Congress’ demand of a resolution declaring a blanket ban on mining on the river.
The chief minister said he and his government was committed to checking illegal sand mining, but stopping legal sand mining was not the right thing to do.
“Such decisions can’t be taken in haste like this. We will hold discussions with the experts and environmentalists and based on their suggestions we will take a decision on whether there should be total ban on the sand mining in Narmada river or not.”
“Some issues should be above politics. Narmada cause is close to my heart and that is why I thought to give a statement on (Narmada Seva Yatra) here on it and invite you all for making this mass campaign a success”.
Chouhan sought cooperation from the Opposition parties for the success of the Narmada Seva Yatra (Narmada pilgrimage). The Yatra will begin from Amarkantak -- source of Narmada -- on December 11 and conclude on May 5 next year.
The yatra aims to ensure plantation on the riverbank, toilet in each house, cleanliness at ghats, changing rooms for women and sewage system in the cities so that pollutants don’t enter the river.
The chief minister said he did not believe in framing more legislations to ensure protection of the Narmada. “Protection of Narmada should become a mass campaign and people should be inspired to work for this cause.”