BICHOLIM, March 19 -- The Chief Minister on Sunday made a statement while inauguration the Betul Panchayat ghar that it is okay to pollute as long as it bringsdevelopment. Herald Media asked people in the mining belt of Bicholim, "Do you agree with the CM's statement that it is okay to pollute (mining pollution) as long as it bringsdevelopment?"

We have to know where does the money which comes with the dust goes. Money comes with the mining dust and goes to the government treasury. But does the money reach the people who are affected by mining or not? I'm saying it does not reach the mining affected people. This money goes somewhere else for development. It does not reach those people who have to breathe the dust on a daily basis, this i...