Judicious approach needed to harness state’s natural resources, says Zhimomi

DIMAPUR — Principal Secretary of Geology and Mining department, I Himato Zhimomi, on Friday emphasised the need for a judicious approach to harnessing natural resources and comprehensive awareness regarding the available resources.

The principal secretary noted that exhaustive mapping of these resources demands substantial investments in terms of energy, resources and time and that this process is continuing as the state’s resource mapping has not been concluded yet.

Zhimomi said that upon completion of the state resource mapping, a crucial consideration during the exploitation of these natural assets will be to ensure sustainability, not only for the present generation but also for the generations to come.

Zhimomi was delivering the keynote address during the 43rd State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) meeting held at Department of Geology and Mining conference hall, Dimapur.

While informing that exploration of minerals in the state is on discussion level, he said that the actual execution and exploration of mineral resources present an entirely distinct challenge.

There is tremendous pressure to tap into natural reservoirs for economic growth, with the vital question of ensuring something substantial for future generations, he said.

Zhimomi urged the SGPB members to foster a collective mindset focused on conserving these inherently limited resources.

Recalling his visit to Mon district in 2009 to study coal mining, Zhimomi expressed astonishment that the mining areas in Mon were devastated by the effects of coal mining.

Questioning about the gains derived from such activities, he pointed out the evident aftermath was polluted waters, disrupted wildlife eco system, environmental degradation and the tragic transformation of a once fertile landscape into barren expanses.

Zhimomi advised the department to exercise an “additional layer of caution” by incorporating robust ecological safeguards during the resource exploitation process.

Sating that resource exploitation must always be accompanied by stringent ecological precaution, he further urged the department to ensure that no shortcuts were taken in this vital aspect.

Director of Geology and Mining, Khikiya Rengma, in his welcome note said that the department, since its inception, has been mandated to carry out mineral exploration to establish the mineral resources of the state with the ultimate objective to develop its resources for economic benefit of the state and its people.

Rengma also pointed out that Nagaland has abundant minor mineral resources or building materials, especially sandstone deposit, distributed in all districts of the state.

However, these resources still remain unexplored, he said. He further informed that the department, in conjunction with its all its other geo-scientific activities, will be focussing to expedite mineral exploration in the state within the next 10 years.

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