In a major decision to provide sand, gravel and boulder to common man on very nominal rates, Punjab Government has offered an opportunity to land owners for self-identification of mines in their land across the State.
Under clause 6 of the Punjab Miner Mineral Rules, 2013, Punjab Government has provided this facility to land owners that would prove to be a major boon for farmer community as well as the state and construction industry, stated a spokesman of the Industry Department on Sunday. He said that the land, in which these natural resources generally found, had very limited crop production, resulted in a loss to the farmer and State.
Further, he said that under the new rules, applications have been invited from interested land owners till June 25, 2013. “Interested owners could apply under prescribed Performa to concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)-cum-Sub-Divisional Mining Officer or General Manager-cum-Mining Officer, Department of Industries and Commerce office with relevant documents,” he added.
The spokesman has made it clear that the identify area should be outside the buffer zone declared by forest department as mining was strictly banned in buffer zone.