 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 6: In a step towards Ease of Doing Business, the Department of Mining is first time implementing pre-embedded Clearances for allotment of mining blocks in J&K. This was informed in a meeting chaired by M.K. Dwivedi, Commissioner Secretary Mining Department.
After the government granted approval for allotment of mining blocks to Panchayats, the Department carried out an extensive exercise to carry out surveys to identify feasible minor mineral blocks across J&K. So far, in 65 blocks, clearances of all the concerned departments have been obtained in advance.
The process of preparation of mining plans and securing environmental clearance has also begun. For effective handholding to the panchayats, the government has permitted the mining department to prepare mining plans and apply for environmental clearance on behalf of the panchayats. Majority of the blocks for PRIs shall be made operational by ending April, 2021.
The meeting was informed that for the first time, transparent e-auction was carried out comprehensively, which was the foremost requirement of the NGT and Supreme Court directions.
Dwivedi shared that the government has carved out mining as separate Department given the vast potential of mining in J&K. The UT has a good potential of mineral wealth like Limestone, Gypsum, Graphite, Quartzite, Magnesite, Lignite, Bauxite, Sapphire and many other minerals. He said the department has initiated action for exploration of potential minerals in collaboration with the concerned agencies.
The District Mineral Officers were directed to effectively check illegal mining and take measures for checking of rates of material with the support of the Deputy Commissioners. They were directed to effectively implement single window system put in place at district level for processing of NOCs in a time bound manner. District level single window committees headed by Deputy Commissioners shall issue necessary clearances on behalf of all concerned agencies within 30 days which may extend to 45 days only in exceptional circumstances. |
