In a major decision to provide sand and gravel to the public at large at minimum affordable rates besides checking the sand mafia, the Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Punjab State Sand and Gravel Mining Policy-2021 to provide sand and gravel at Rs 5.50 per cubic feet across the state.
As per new policy, the sand and gravel shall be provided to the public at Rs 5.50 per CFT at mining sites, including loading charges. Further, the royalty rate of ordinary clay and ordinary earth shall be decreased from Rs 10 per ton to Rs 2.5 per ton in public interest.
According to the new mining policy, the land owner or possessor can dispose of ordinary earth extracted or removed during the levelling of their agriculture fields up to three-feet.
Removal of any minor mineral by the land owner or panchayat is allowed for meeting their land-filling requirements and for their bona-fide requirements including religious and development activities. These activities do not require any rent, royalty or permit fee and no permit is required. These activities shall not be hindered by the officials and contractors without any valid reason and disciplinary action shall be initiated if any official or contractor is found guilty.
Dedicated toll free number shall be made available to the consumers to register their complaint regarding rates, if ever charged more than prescribed ones, added the spokesperson.
The average sale price of the sand and gravel in various cities of Punjab varies from Rs 20 per CFT to Rs 35 per CFT depending upon distance source to destination.