Cornered by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar and Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar over diversion of forest land for mining, Rodrigues said that the officers would be strictly told not to send any such proposal to the government till state forest policy is formed.
Parrikar had pointed out that despite assurance from the minister on the floor of the house last year, Deputy Conservator of Forest (South) M K Shambu had processed the file for diversion of the land.
He said that the minister should give strict instructions to the officers, who are all out to sale the forest land to mine owners.
“Orientation of the forest officers is needed to be done and they should be taught that their job is not to promote mines in the state,” Parrikar quipped.
Responding to the questions, Rodrigues said that the state government remains firm on its commitment of not allowing the diversions.
“We have taken the conscious decision not to divert the forest land,” he said.
The minister added that the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat himself has announced that there will be no new mining leases or renewal of leases till state Mining Policy is finalized.
Intervening in the debate, Speaker of Legislative Assembly Pratapsingh Rane said that the minister has the role to play to stop the lot of illegal mining happening in the state.
Claiming that all the members of legislative assembly were quiet emotional while speaking about the forest issues, Rodrigues said that he will take views of all the members into consideration while forming the Forest Policy.
He said that the National Wildlife Board to recommend measures to stop the nuisance of wild animals encroaching into human habitation.
Rodrigues said that all the plantations destroyed due to wildlife menace would be compensated.