PUNJAB GOVERNMENT approves “The Punjab Minor Mineral Rules 2013”

Chandigarh, March 3, 2013: The Punjab Government has approved "The Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013" to ease out the supply of minor minerals in the state.

Disclosing this here today Karan A. Singh, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Punjab said that under these rules, the Environmental approval of mines having area below five hectares shall be accorded by a District Level Committee, headed by concerned Deputy Commissioner with General Manager-cum-Mining Officer as Member Secretary.

He further said that this committee, while approving the Environment Management Plan of the quarries having area below five hectares, shall also ensure that mining activities are undertaken as per the provisions made under rules.

He said that the main aim behind the new rules was to make sure that people could get sand, gravel and bricks on very nominal rates. He said that new rules would prove to be beneficial both for common man as well as the government.

He further added that the mining activity in the 241 quarries, which was stopped in the month of August, 2012 would also start soon after the approval by aforesaid District Level Committee and regular supply of sand and gravel shall resume in the market.

He also informed that 100 more quarries having area below five hectare have been identified which shall be auctioned in the next month.