The State Government has cancelled the mining lease of five errant firms that were violating mining rules and directions in West Singhbhum district of State. All the firms were engaged in quarrying iron ore in West Sighbhum districts.
Addressing a press conference Director Mines, Jeeshan Qamar, today said that the 18 mining firms were issued notices for violations of mining rules under MCR Rules 2016 and other directions and regulations of competent bodies. Out of the 18, five mining firms’ lease has been cancelled after review by the government.
“The hearing of these five firms was done by Member Revenue Board, Government of Jharkhand, while hearing of 13 others is still under process. Shah Brothers case is also among the 13 pending cases,” he said. The Director Mines informed that the defaulter firms, whose lease has been cancelled, include M/S General Produce Company (Two sites), M/S Revti Raman Prasad and Anand Vardhan Prasad (two sites) and Kamljeet Singh Ahluwalia.
Qamar further informed that the Government has also made its policy clear about sand ghats. “Small sand ghats that fall under category 1 will only be used for individual, non-commercial and community based works. The panchayat will be empowered for collecting Rs 100 per 100 cubic feet for sand quarrying and the funds will be deposited in Panchayat’s account,” he said, adding that there will be no royalty on these ghats.
The Director further informed that the government has simplified the process and now Category 2 sand ghats will be operated by Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation. Also, he gave details of stone blocks that will undergo auction process at five sites.