Journalism of Courage
Defending his policy of not allowing mining in forest areas,Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Friday said he was ready to have a debate with Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia who has criticised it.I am willing to sit down and hold discussion whether we need a more liberal definition of what a no-go is. I have an open mind at every step, Ramesh told NDTV when asked about Ahluwalias disagreement with him on no-go areas in the forests where mining is prohibited. I have an open mind at every step.In a veiled criticism of Rameshs approach,Ahluwalia had on Wednesday said: If we get a sensible definition of what is no-go8230; something that is called no-go for now does not have to be no-go for ever.Ramesh said: This is not Azadpur mandi in which we are discussing go or no-go. There are certain criteria we have adopted.
