Complexities in mining sector to be removed

Bhopal : Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that besides decentralisation and simplification in the mining sector in Madhya Pradesh, transparent arrangements have also been ensured. Though some complexities are there even now, but these will be removed after considering all the aspects. Even the Central Government has talked about adoption of Madhya Pradesh’s Mining Policy. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was expressing his views after a presentation made by the Mining Department at the third session of commissioner-collector conference here today. Shri Chouhan said that process of giving mining concessions has been simplified in the state. Decentralising powers, now collectors have been empowered to dispose of applications for mining concessions.
It was informed at the meeting that mining revenue to the tune of Rs. 3114 crore was generated in the state against Rs. 2700 crore last year. A target to generate Rs. 2800 crore mining revenue has been fixed for the current fiscal.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan directed that task force constituted for prevention of illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals should be constantly reviewed.
Shri Chouhan assured to consider suggestions put forth by ministers and senior officers about sand and gravel. Stressed was laid at the conference on the need for maintaining easy availability and rates of sand, stone planks, gravel etc. For this, suggestion was put forth for necessary amendment in rules pertaining to these minerals. Shri Chouhan said that practical solution will be evolved after due consideration on the matter. Shri Chouhan said that besides generating revenue for minerals, more attention should also be paid to establishment of minerals-based industries.
Principal Secretary Shri Devraj Birdi informed that the main reasons behind pending cases of application for mining concessions in district are non-receipt of spot inspection report, consumption of more time at district offices and applications being incomplete. Illegal mining and transport is being prevented strictly in the state. Last year, 7,279 cases of illegal mining and transport were registered in which fines amounting to Rs. 11.83 were realised.
Environmental clearance
It was informed at the conference that as per order of the Supreme Court, environmental clearance is mandatory for mines of raw minerals in less than 5 hectare area. Mines in operation from past whose agreements have not expired to continue operations.
118 MoUs for mineral-based industries
It was informed at the conference that 118 MoUs have been signed during various investors’ meets for establishment of mineral-based industries in the state. Decision about giving mining concessions has been made in 77 of these MoUs.
Registration must for vehicles engaged in transport of minerals
It was informed that registration of each vehicle transporting minerals in the state will have to be registered as per Khanij Sanrakshan Evam Vikas Niyam. This amendment has been implemented with effect from April 6, 2012. Online registration of such vehicles will be made concerning branch of Mining Department in districts. Fine will be imposed on transportation of minerals in unregistered vehicles.