Natural resources in forests should not be exploited at the cost of tribals living there, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, warning those who "snatch" their rights of stringent action.<br /><br />Inaugurating the first-ever national tribal carnival, Modi said natural resources are mostly in forested areas which are inhabited by tribals and, while pursuing development goals, mineral resources should not be extracted in a way which is detrimental to their interests.<br />The Prime minister said, in the past, while iron ore and coal were extracted, tribal people of mineral bearing areas never benefited from it. He said following the introduction of a scheme to impose cess, the money so collected is now being utilised to expand facilities, including infrastructure, to benefit the tribals.<br />The government, Modi said, is now pushing for advanced technology which ensures that the environment is not severely affected in the process of mining.<br />Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister also pitched for start-ups to brand and export tribal goods to domestic and foreign markets.<br />He said once people start buying goods manufactured by tribals, it would help in their economic empowerment.<br /><br />Video: ANI<br />Music: Big Bang Fuzz
