Goa's greenery a problem, says Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Sunday said that while the state was blessed with "unique beauty", its bountiful environment was turning out to be a problem.

"Goa has unique beauty, but sometimes its beauty is a problem," Parrikar said. He added that "the more green you are, the more stringent the judiciary as well as the union environment ministry becomes towards you".

The chief minister was speaking at the IIT-BAA Global Alumni Business Summit, which is being held at a resort near Panaji.

Parrikar said overzealous green concerns as well as scams were reasons why India was suffering from a shortage in foreign exchange.

To back his premise, Parrikar cited the mining ban in Karnataka and Goa, allegations of illegal mining and the coal scam, which has resulted in a freeze in the sector.

He said the judiciary tends to throw out the baby with the bath water while dealing with these issues, explaining that an entire industry need not be penalised for excesses by some.

"Those who are involved in scams must be punished but you should not throw out the baby with the bath water. It seems to be a problem at the highest judicial level," Parrikar said.