Ranchi, Aug 15 (IANS): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Friday said mining has destroyed hills, rivers and cultivable land in the state.
"There should be a debate in the country and in Jharkhand whether richness of mineral resources was a boon or a curse. Jharkhand has paid heavily for mining. The hills have been destroyed, rivers got polluted, lands have become barren," he said after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day.
While addressing the gathering at the Independence Day function, held at the Morabadi ground here, Soren enumerated the achievement of his government during the past one year.
Appealing to the youth to join the mainstream of society, he said: "Fight for your cause by adopting democratic and social means."
Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed hoisted the national flag in Dumka.