On the second day of Odisha Environment Congress held here, the experts who presented papers in various technical sessions were of the opinion that mining led development in the State may cause disaster to environment.
In the session on Responsible Mining and Role of Mining Industries, Principal Secretary to Government of Odisha and State Relief Commissioner PK Jena said, “Mining without taking care of social well-being of the affected people and the environment around it is detrimental to the development process of the State.”
The other panelist in the session were Director, Project and Planning, OMC Ramnath Praharaj, journalist Sandip Mishra, former GM, BHEL, Er Ravi Narayan Sarangi and former Editor, Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Rajesh Mohapatra.
On sustainable mining and social economic cost- benefit of mining, former VC OUAT Prof DP Roy, former VC of Utkal University Dr Binayak Rath, Prof Nabanita Ratha and Prof Mitali Chinara spoke, besides many scientists, academicians and researchers etc.
The major parameters of responsible mining demands to follow the rules and regulations , to retain commitment for the environment, adopt proactive and protective strategies for the mines workers , the displaced , to have continuous and constant commitment in respecting the local people, their culture and livelihood, to respect the biodiversity of the areas under mining operation , care to provide safety measures for the mines workers and generate awareness among all stakeholders to remain responsible, the speakers told.