The legalization of mining in certain areas has been made possible through environmental clearance. bajri(riverbedsand) in Rajasthan, almost four years after the Supreme Court bans sand mining in riverbeds. A scientific replenishment study was not completed until then. After all formalities are completed, mining will begin in almost all riverbeds within the State.
The Supreme Court had, on November 16, 2017, stopped 82 large leaseholders from mining riverbedsand. After a scientific replenishment was completed, the Ministry of Environment and Forest issued the clearance. The Supreme Court later created a Central Empowered Committee (CEC), to examine the illegal sand-mining issue.
After the Supreme Courts order, the availability of legally-mined riverbedsand, which is mixed together with cement, was drastically reduced. The State had seen a proliferation of mafias operating in illegal mining, which had resulted in a dramatic increase in sand prices. The huge gap between supply and demand caused delays and closed many construction projects, which was a major problem for law enforcement.
The Supreme Court accepted CECs recommendations in November 2012, allowing riverbed mining after obtaining all necessary clearances and paying any applicable taxes. After a gap of four year, the order allowed legal mining to be conducted in the State.
CEC recommended that all holders of valid letters of intent, as suggested and endorsed by the Expert Appraisal Committee, receive environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change within three months. It should do so without requiring submission of the scientific replenishment reports as a condition. The replenishment study can be done during mining.
Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Petroleum), stated here Monday that a notification was issued to extend the validity of letters indicating intent for mining leases from 13 to 68 months. Six new mining leases were issued in Jalore and Bhilwara districts. Rajsamand, Tonk, and Rajsamand also received them.
A rough estimate suggests that there is a 70 million-tonne demand for riverbed sand within the State. The State government will receive leases from all 60 mining areas to address the problem of sand scarcity. This will help alleviate the construction and real estate industries and generate revenue of Rs.600 million.
Mr. Agarwal stated that permission had been granted in 60 cases recommended and approved by the Expert Appraisal Committee, as per the Supreme Court’s directions. B.S. Additional Director Mines Departments Sodha will coordinate all cases relating to riverbed sand.
The Mines Department stopped collecting departure tax on trucks loaded with sand. This effectively bans illegal mining. The State government also has a policy regarding manufactured sand (Made sand), which gives the industry status and reduces dependence on riverbeds sand.