Pawar blasts green lobby for opposing projects

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar hit out at the green lobby for opposing every new project under the garb of environment protection.

He warned that such opposition would severely impact new projects and employment generation.

Pawar, speaking at a labour rally, also called upon the unions to play a pro-active role to strike a balance between new projects and environment conservation.

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He added those opposing new projects were increasing unemployment in the country. "If there are no projects, there is no scope for new jobs. The time has come for labour unions to play a major role in encouraging new projects.

They can do by cooperating with the promoters, who can be convinced to take necessary measures to protect the environment," he said.

He admitted environment conservation was important but said new projects were equally crucial for the economy.

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Earlier, BJP President Nitin Gadkari had termed the green lobby as "eco terrorists". Gadkari said opposition for every project was uncalled for.

The green lobby in Maharashtra is opposing the new airport in Navi Mumbai, as well as various power projects in the coastal Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.

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Pawar said Mumbai used to be the city of industrial growth.

"However, the metropolis has now become a leading centre for the service industry. Mumbai's place is being slowly taken by cities like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Aurangabad, where various new projects are being lined up," he added.