In another step towards sustainable supply of minor minerals for public, private and industrial use, the Odisha Government has initiated steps for formulating a more progressive policy adopting best practices from different States.
This was discussed in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy wherein the study teams that recently visited different States presented their reports.
Tripathy directed the Additional Chief Secretary Revenue and Disaster Management Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra to work out a definite policy proposal customising the best practices in the Odisha context.
Tripathy told reporter, “A separate directorate has been set up for regulation of minor minerals like sand, morram, chips, etc. Presently, these sairat sources are managed and monitored by Tehsildars under supervision of the district administration. Study teams were sent to Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and Karnataka to have field-level knowledge of the practices adopted in those States. The teams’ reports will be further analysed and customised in the Odisha context. These inputs will be helpful in formulation of a more dynamic and need-based policy.”