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. |