Addressing a press conference during his maiden visit to Mizoram, Dave said his ministry would expedite all necessary clearances for infrastructure development like construction of border roads and hydroelectric projects.
"Wildlife and forests should be given importance, but human beings should come first," he said, adding, all development projects should be implemented with due consideration to environment protection.
The Centre would coordinate with NGOs in the state on environmental issues, including purification of rivers and eco-tourism projects, he added.
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