The Government of Goa is thinking of developing closed mining pits for tourism activities. The draft ‘Goa Mining Policy 2012’ announced by Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister, Government of Goa, on August 8, 2012 proposed that tourism be developed in mines that have shut down after excavation of minerals.
The policy stated that mineral-related tourism would be promoted with a view to create awareness, educate the masses and provide employment opportunities to the local people. It further stated that geological parks would be set-up in the state wherever feasible, as per a TOI report. There is nothing concrete as far as promoting mineral-related tourism is concerned as the proposals in the policy appear vague. According to Prasanna Acharya, Director of Mines and Geology, Government of Goa, they floated the tourism idea intending to see whether closed mining pits can be converted into lakes. "If mining companies have planted trees, then we can check if those can be converted into spice farms," he added. Sources said the government expects feedback from the citizens in next one month. The last date for making suggestions on the draft policy is September 10, 2012. Sources added that depending upon what emerges; the government would appoint a consultant to further develop the concept of promoting mineral-related tourism. The policy makes it binding on the state to ensure that mines in their mine closure plans make adequate provision for reclamation and/or restoration of the land to the best possible potential in collaboration with local communities, and for their use. "Land after closure shall be returned to the local bodies for management preferably as a common property resource, particularly for the benefit of the rural poor," the policy stated. Mining companies will be asked to put in place corporate social responsibility schemes, setting aside three per cent of their net profit of the previous year. "Mines will be encouraged to form partnerships with the district administration, local bodies and NGOs for implementation of local area development progammes, maintenance of community assets and creation of on and off mine employment opportunities," the policy stated.
Click here to see the original article>The policy stated that mineral-related tourism would be promoted with a view to create awareness, educate the masses and provide employment opportunities to the local people. It further stated that geological parks would be set-up in the state wherever feasible, as per a TOI report. There is nothing concrete as far as promoting mineral-related tourism is concerned as the proposals in the policy appear vague. According to Prasanna Acharya, Director of Mines and Geology, Government of Goa, they floated the tourism idea intending to see whether closed mining pits can be converted into lakes. "If mining companies have planted trees, then we can check if those can be converted into spice farms," he added. Sources said the government expects feedback from the citizens in next one month. The last date for making suggestions on the draft policy is September 10, 2012. Sources added that depending upon what emerges; the government would appoint a consultant to further develop the concept of promoting mineral-related tourism. The policy makes it binding on the state to ensure that mines in their mine closure plans make adequate provision for reclamation and/or restoration of the land to the best possible potential in collaboration with local communities, and for their use. "Land after closure shall be returned to the local bodies for management preferably as a common property resource, particularly for the benefit of the rural poor," the policy stated. Mining companies will be asked to put in place corporate social responsibility schemes, setting aside three per cent of their net profit of the previous year. "Mines will be encouraged to form partnerships with the district administration, local bodies and NGOs for implementation of local area development progammes, maintenance of community assets and creation of on and off mine employment opportunities," the policy stated.