MLAs & MPs stalling mining projects has become a trend in Maharashtra: Nitin Gadkari

NAGPUR: At times, environment and forest clearances come as a major hurdle in mining development, said Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari, prodding his own party’s Sudhir Mungantiwar — the state’s forest minister — to get clearances at the earliest and ensure speedy works.
“Over 75% of the state’s minerals are in Vidarbha and 80% of the forest is also here. The region’s development is dependent on mines,” Gadkari said.
“Lately, it has become a trend in Maharashtra for the MLAs and MPs to make efforts to stall projects. We need supportive role of the public representatives,” he said, speaking at Mincon 2022, a conference on mining industry organized by the Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council, on Friday.
“I am the chairman of empowered committee on infrastructure projects. It is very difficult to get environment and forest clearances. The work gets tough both at the state and Centre,” he added.
“Coal mines in Umred are being closed because there is a forest far away in Tadoba (in Chandrapur district). I am sure none of the tigers have come near Umred in Nagpur district. Yet orders have been issued to shut down the mine in Umred. What is this nonsense. Sudhirbhau you are the forest minister, you should raise the issue in Delhi. I will take up the matter with the Union forests minister Bhupender Yadav,” said Gadkari. “It’s an irony in this country — one says forwards and pulls you backward,” he said.
“The country needs to increase coal production to meet the power demand. However, at times environment and forest clearances become an obstacle in mining development,” he said. “You should find out how many cases are pending at your department,” Gadkari asked Mungantiwar. Compile the cases and I’ll arrange a meeting with the forest and coal ministers, he said.
“Only yesterday, I called a forest officer in Nagpur and said 17 cases are pending at his end. Such kind of red tape cannot be tolerated and such officers should be terminated,” said the Union minister.
Gadkari said he is also on the panel on disinvestment, warning the mining PSUs based in the region that if they do not increase production, the government may be forced to take a decision on privatization.
Gadkari called for having fixed time frame for giving clearances, otherwise it gets difficult for investors as the interest liability piles up and the work remains held up.
“We have got coal, copper, aluminium in the country and yet we are importing these items, including fossil fuel,” said Gadkari.
“The limitations on safari vehicles and curbs on resorts have affected tourism in Tadoba. The number of foreign tourists has come down. How can we generate employment under such conditions,” he asked.
Built roads across the country, one in front of my house held up: Gadkari
“I have built roads worth lakhs of crores in the country, but the stretch near my home (in Mahal area in Nagpur) remains to be completed for the last 11 years. Thirty meetings have been held during these years. I thank the honourable court for enjoying the road conditions over the years,” said Gadkari.
The widening of Kelibagh Road near Gadkari’s house in Mahal was held up due to litigations.