Latest news with #Mines
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
3-day Masula Beach Festival from June 6
Machilipatnam: Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise Kollu Ravindra on Monday unveiled ambitious plans for the Masula Beach Fest 2025, slated to transform the picturesque Machilipatnam Beach into a hub of innovation and opportunity. Speaking at a press conference at the Zilla Parishad Convention Hall alongside Collector DK Balaji and SP Gangadhar, Minister Ravindra urged people from all over the State to participate and make the festival a grand success. Minister Ravindra emphasised that the Masula Beach Fest 2025, scheduled for June 6 to 8, aims at significantly boosting tourism in Andhra Pradesh. He proclaimed that the event is set to become South India's largest festival of its kind. 'This is our village, our festival,' Minister Ravindra declared, urging widespread participation. He highlighted a diverse array of activities planned, including amusement, entertainment and adventure sports. Notably, the festival will feature Andhra Pradesh's inaugural sea kayaking event, alongside beach kabaddi, beach volleyball, and an array of thrilling activities such as Heli rides, paragliding, speed boat races, Jet Ski rides and bungee jumping. Over 2,000 national-level athletes are expected to compete in these events. The festival will kick off on June 6 at 9 am with the unveiling of the 'Gateway of Amaravati' by athletes, marked by the hoisting of a 100-foot national flag. From the evening of June 6, attendees can look forward to a vibrant array of cultural programmes featuring renowned Telugu film artistes. Beyond sports and entertainment, the Masula Beach Fest will be a celebration of Telugu culture and cuisine. Over 100 stalls will showcase the rich flavours, traditions and customs of the Telugu people, with seven dedicated food courts offering a diverse culinary experience. Minister Ravindra underscored that the festival is not merely a tourism event but a strategic initiative to create new opportunities and foster innovation. He also highlighted the rigorous preparations by officials, confirming that every event will be live-streamed. Marine authorities will be on hand to ensure the safety of those wishing to take a sea bath. The Minister concluded by reiterating the festival's potential to generate improved employment and livelihood opportunities through tourism development, urging everyone to attend and contribute to its success.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Kollu Ravindra calls for mining sector's overhaul
Vijayawada: Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise, Kollu Ravindra, asserted on Friday that the mining sector holds the key to transforming the future of both the State and the nation. Speaking at the 'Unearthing Mineral Potential of AP: Exploration to Auction - A Strategic Vision' summit held here, Minister Ravindra emphasised the need for a re-envisioned mining sector to contribute significantly to India's economic and industrial advancement. Since 2015, approximately 29 major mineral auctions have been conducted, with four more taking place in the current fiscal year. Preparations are underway to auction another 70 major minerals. The Minister announced that Andhra Pradesh has achieved an 'A' category ranking in the SMRI (State Mining Readiness Index) set by the Union Ministry of Mines, competing successfully with States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. He highlighted that revenue is already being generated through the auction of four major minerals. With a long coastline, the State possesses valuable offshore minerals, and he stressed the importance of establishing value-added industries to create employment opportunities. Minister Ravindra sincerely appealed to industrialists, along with Central and State governments, to collaborate in harnessing the mineral wealth. The event was attended by Mines Secretary Praveen Kumar, Geological Survey of India Director Satyanarayana Mahapatro, MECL Director Pankaj Pandey, IBM Comptroller of Mines Shailendra Kumar, and Ragupathi Peddireddy, among other officials.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Ring of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states 'regulations under this Act shall be made in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.' Ford's office said 'this amendment creating a new category of zone is at the request of some First Nations who, like us, want to build projects that will unlock economic prosperity for generations.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Hans India
SIT to probe illegal mining in Sundargarh
Bhubaneswar: Odisha's Vigilance department on Friday set up a special investigating team (SIT) to probe into alleged illegal mining at Hemagiri and Koida in Sundargarh district. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the department to initiate the probe in Sundargarh, 'adopting a zero-tolerance policy against corruption', a release issued by the CMO said. The State government's action came after Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena submitted a report to the Chief Minister in this regard. 'It was alleged that more than 9,843 metric tonnes of coal have been illegally extracted from 22 mines in Hemagiri tehsil of Sundargarh district. The estimated value of illegal mining was more than Rs 2 crore,' the release stated. Extraction of manganese and iron ore has been detected from '50 illegal manganese and iron ore mines in Malda, Pataweda, Sanputuli, Kolmang and Rusivenua under Koida tehsil of Sundargarh district', it said. 'More than 20,000 metric tonnes of manganese ore and more than 1,200 metric tonnes of iron ore have been illegally extracted from these mines. The estimated value of the minerals is more than Rs 37 crore,' the release added.
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Krishna Mahanadu to discuss issues on May 21
Machilipatnam: Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise Kollu Ravindra on Sunday stated that to address village-level resolutions, the Mahanadu for the Machilipatnam constituency will be held on May 21 followed by the district Mahanadu on May 23. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders would discuss issues at the district Mahanadu, and resolutions would be passed accordingly at the state-level Mahanadu. He addressed the media at the TDP office here on Sunday. He mentioned that training classes have already begun at the grassroots level, aiming at benefiting the public to resolve their issues. Ravindra asserted that the extent to which the TDP works for the people was clearly demonstrated by the recent imprisonment of Gali Janardhan Reddy in the Obulapuram case. He stated that over the past five years, the TDP fought against Jagan Mohan Reddy's anarchic rule, exploitation, and atrocities in the state. He alleged that an unprecedented liquor scam occurred in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years, where Jagan Mohan Reddy filled his coffers by compromising the health and lives of the people. He claimed that Jagan accumulated thousands of crores worth of gold. He further stated that as their entire exploitation came to light during the SIT investigation, they resorted to making accusations. Ravindra ridiculed the absurdity of 'a thief who stole the rice of the poor' speaking about errors in the implementation of liquor policies. He challenged Perni Nani to show where the 'belt shops' he speaks of are located. He asserted that while Jagan Reddy instigated exploitation in the state under the guise of government liquor shops, Perni Nani exploited the people in Machilipatnam through 'belt shops.' He pointed out that Perni Nani, who was a minister for five years and did not even build a 'yard of road' in Bandar, is now making accusations. Minister Kollu Ravindra warned Perni Nani to think before speaking, or the people of Bandar would teach him a fitting lesson.
