Panaji, Nov 23 : President Pratibha Patil Monday asked the Goa government to ensure that areas affected by mining in the state are not deprived of green cover.

Patil, who is in Goa on a four-day visit, was speaking at a reception organised in her honour at Dona Paula, on the outskirts of Panaji.

"More afforestation efforts should be taken in areas where mining has occurred," Patil said, calling for better management of forests which are blessed with a "wide diversity of flora and fauna including medicinal plants".

After her critical remarks on the effects of mining industry in the state, Patil also warned against the increasing exposure of youngsters to drugs.

"While it is our duty to provide education and skills to young people, they too must be responsible. There is a tendency among the youth to consume drugs. I urge our young people to be cautious," she said. "They should be made aware of the negative fall-outs of drug consumption through awareness campaigns," Patil added.

While applauding the state government for its achievements in the field of tourism and hospitality industry, Patil said to maintain Goa's reputation as a tourist destination, it would have to focus on developing and maintaining tourism infrastructure.

"Given that tourism is a major revenue and employment generating sector of the economy, I am sure efforts would be made in this direction, along with work to conserve the unique natural environment of Goa, which promotes eco-tourism," she said.

Urging the state government to aim for a 100 percent literacy rate, the president also asked Goa to upgrade its standard of education at all levels to produce skilled workers with high levels of productivity.

"The state government should look at developing Goa into an education hub which will attract institutes of excellence at various levels for diverse sectors," Patil said.

"In today's day and age of competition and knowledge based society, our universities must provide the necessary environment to nurture talent and create an environment in which the talent of our youth has the space to grow," she added.(IANS)