New mining policy to be implemented in Uttarakhand within 6 months
The new transparent mining policy in the state will take about six months to be implemented. Due to non-availability of e-auction policy, the allotment of mining leases will be according to the existing policy. That is, the government will not be able to intervene on private leases at the moment. However, despite the start of mining from October 1, the development of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation, the mining process has not been fully started in four plain districts. Expressing displeasure over this, the government has given instructions to the concerned departments and the district officials to start a quick mining process. In the state, there has always been a ruckus for mining and every time the department is forced to stand in the dockyard. Given this, the government decided to give lease of mining through e-auction to make the process of mining transparent and non controversial. Proposal was kept that it would be completed in two phases.
First mining will be assessed and then e-auction will be done between the five contractor who will be the highest amount of mineral. The department’s intention was to take private leases in it. Most private leases are attached to the chalk. Khadiya is a huge market and the most illegal business is also of Khadiya.
The policy was drafted by the department but due to the tremendous pressure of private mining contractors, it has not yet been able to take the formative shape. It was believed that this new policy was going to be held in the Cabinet meeting in late September or in the second week of October. Despite this, the policy did not come in both the meetings.
If sources were to be believed then an attempt was made to bring it in the second cabinet meeting, but it was excluded from the agenda saying it was amended.
If the officials agree that even if the cabinet gives its approval for e-auction, then it will take six months to be implemented. For this reason, the old policy will have to be executed right now. At the same time, despite the start of mining season, it has not been fully started in many districts.
Principal Secretary, mining Anand Vardhon says that if the auction process starts now, then for three months auction and then approvals and licenses for the next three months will be processed. For this reason, this work can not begin before six months. In this case, the old policy will be effective only. Regarding non-introduction of mining in many districts, he said that proper guidelines have been issued to the concerned authorities.
