- Directives issued to prepare a two-year roadmap for the development of mining-affected areas; special emphasis placed on development initiatives in Bastar.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka has stated that funds from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) should be utilized for the holistic development of mining-affected areas and for improving the standard of living of the local residents. Controlling environmental pollution should be the top priority. Additionally, focused attention must be given to the development of education, health, and infrastructure. He emphasized that environmental conservation is essential for sustainable development, suggesting that a well-planned strategy be formulated with the collaboration of environmental experts.
Governor Shri Deka was addressing a meeting held at Lok Bhawan today, which focused on the activities of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), development works in mining-affected regions, and the action plan for the next five years. He directed that a roadmap covering at least two years be prepared to ensure the effective and systematic utilization of DMF funds. He further instructed that necessary measures for pollution control in mining-affected areas be undertaken using DMF resources. He also advised engaging with industries to ensure strict adherence to environmental standards and established guidelines. He stressed the need to carry out environmental conservation efforts in the form of a dedicated campaign.
- Sand Extraction Must Be Conducted Scientifically
The Governor highlighted the necessity of adopting scientific and eco-friendly methods for sand extraction from rivers. He remarked, “If there is sand, there will be water; and if there is water, there will be sand.” He also called for a special campaign to ensure that sand extraction from quarries is carried out in a scientific manner.
- Align the DMF Action Plan with Public Needs
The Governor directed District Collectors to engage with the general public to understand their needs and priorities, and to formulate the DMF action plan accordingly. It is essential to take public representatives into confidence during the implementation of development projects. The administration should maintain a dialogue with the public and clearly communicate which projects can be undertaken and which are not feasible. The Governor called for regular meetings of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to review the progress of projects and ensure that necessary decisions are taken in a timely manner.
- Extend the benefits of public welfare schemes to mining-affected areas
The Governor stated that priority should be given to social welfare and development-related initiatives in mining-affected areas through the DMF. It must also be ensured that the benefits of various government welfare schemes reach the eligible beneficiaries. She directed that the completion of housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in mining-affected areas be prioritized. Furthermore, she emphasized that projects designated under the DMF for specific objectives must be completed as a priority.
The Governor directed that top priority be given to development projects in the Bastar region through the DMF. She stated that individuals who have returned to the mainstream should be provided with the benefits of government welfare schemes. Necessary steps should be taken regarding their rehabilitation, social security, and the improvement of their standard of living, enabling them to integrate into the development process.
- Focus on the health and lifestyle of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
The Governor urged special attention toward the welfare of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in mining-affected areas. She directed that specialized medical camps be organized for these tribal communities and that awareness programs be conducted to improve their health and lifestyle. She emphasized that schemes should be formulated with the specific needs of these communities in mind, and that dedicated efforts should be made to provide them with better healthcare facilities.
The Governor suggested that, similar to the approach under MGNREGA, the creation of assets should be a key component of DMF-funded projects. Additionally, she stressed the importance of conducting physical verification of the assets created, to ensure that the approved projects have been effectively implemented and are genuinely benefiting the local population. Directives to Ensure Displaced Families Benefit from Government Schemes
The Governor inquired about the schemes being implemented for people displaced from mining-affected areas. He sought information from officials regarding the provision of benefits from various government schemes to these displaced families. He emphasized that the needs of the affected and displaced families must be taken into account, and that the schemes intended for them should be implemented effectively.
During the meeting, Mr. P. Dayanand, Secretary of the Mineral Resources Department, provided the Governor with a detailed overview of the activities and initiatives of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). He explained that information regarding every project and task is accessible through the ‘DMF Portal 2.0’, which also facilitates the monitoring of the status and progress of these initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Dr. C. R. Prasanna, Secretary to the Governor, officials from the Mineral Resources Department, and District Collectors from various mining-affected districts.