Punjab Government has operationalised 40 more sand mines after issuing environment clearances.
Union Environment Ministry has given its nod to these mines which will help in bringing down sand rates in Punjab. Besides, to keep a check on rise in prices, the State mining department has fixed sand rates for all quarries, including lifting charges.
To ensure availability of sand at fixed rates to consumers, the department has warned contractors if they charge more than the flat rates, their contract will be cancelled immediately, said the Government spokesperson.
These mines are operational in Mohali, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, SBS Nagar, Amritsar, ludhiana, Ferozepur, Moga and Jalandhar.
A total of 32 quarries are already operational in the State, of which 11 mines are being operated by State-owned Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation limited (PSIEC) at Adraman, Bassia, Sanghera (Moga), Pawat, Gujjarwal Bet, Mand Chaunta, Miana, Koom Kalan (ludhiana), Burj Tehal Dass (SBS Nagar), Digana Khurd (Hoshiarpur) and Jhungian Mahan Singh (Jalandhar).
To keep a check on illegal mining in all districts, four police officers have been deployed in each district while a Superintendent of Police and three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deputed to keep a check on illegal quarrying and lifting.
Directions have also been issued to contractors to put up display boards carrying fixed rates at quarry sites as well as delivery points, he said.
He also informed that the rates of sand had been fixed from `460 to `700 per 100 cubic feet, including lifting charges. Spokesperson appealed to the people to lodge a complaint against any contractor who charges more than the price fixed by the mining department.
“People can file complaint with the Director Mining, Industry and Commerce by email at stategeologistchd@gmail.com or at 0172-2701226, in case if any contractor charges more price against the pre-set rates fixed by the department. Besides, people could also contact the concerned Deputy Commissioner, GM-cum-Mining officer or SP (Mining) on mobile number 87288-00053 for further information,” he said.