leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Sunil Jakhar on Thursday questioned the State Government on its mining policy.
Cornering the State Government in the issue, Jakhar brushed aside their accusations on the Central Government for not giving environmental clearances to start the mining works in the state, resulting in spiraling prices of construction material. “When the State Government, till date, has no mining policy, and have not sent their case to the state appraisal committee for clearance, from where they will get the environmental clearanceIJ” wondered Jakhar.
Jakhar, during the discussion on the resolution related to mining, said that the Supreme Court, on February 12, 2012, had directed all states to set up their mining policies. On August 18, the Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the state government to file an affidavit about its mining policy, but could not as “there is no comprehensive policy”. Earlier, the resolution was brought by Industries Minister Madan Mohan Mittal who blamed the Centre for not giving the environment clearance for 17 sand mines that have been auctioned.
Mittal also requested the Congress legislative Party leader to also accompany him to raise this issue of providing environment clearance with the Centre — which was responded in affirmative by Jakhar. Defending the Government, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal maintained that the clear instructions have been issued to the concerned to arrest those involved in illegal mining. He informed the House that 3000 cases have been registered, with around 3000 vehicles impounded and approximately 3400 persons arrested.
“There is only clearance problem. 14 mines are ready…and if those mines are opened for mining, the entire problem would be solved….two month have lapsed, and the concerned Union Minister is yet to sign the file,” he added. After two-hour-long debate, the resolution expressing concern over the acute shortage of sand and gravel in the state resulting in spiraling high cost of construction material was passed recommending the state government to take effective steps to control and rationalise the situation arising out of shortage of sand and gravel.