The Punjab Government has operationalised 40 more sand mines with a view to reduce sand prices in the State. Besides, to keep check on prices and activities of contractors, the mining department has also fixed sand rates for all quarries including lifting charges.A spokesman of the State government said the Union Environment Ministry has given its nod to 40 major mines which would bring down sand rates in Punjab. To ensure availability of sand on fixed rates, the department has warned contactors that if they charge more than the flat rates their contract would be cancelled immediately.The 40 mines which become functional, includes Brahmpur, Rampur and Khanpur Pandhar (SAS Nagar) Andoi, Baroi, Skemepur, Ganju Jagir, Adalatgarh, Dehriwal, Mirthal, Taharpur (Pathankot), Toor, Hamwal and Bianpur (Gurdaspur), Malakpur, Lallewal, Behloor Khurad, Khojja, Saidpur, Jhuggiyan, Rail Bahamad and Kannaun (SBS Nagar), Dupana, Sikandarpur, Majara Kalan and Hajapur (Ludhiana), Chaharpur, Rurewal and Kotli (Amritsar), Kamalwala, Gatta Badshah, Chak Khanna and Bandala (Ferozpur), Chak Bhora, Gatti Jattan and Chak Tahewala (Moga), Raimwala, Rame, Sailkiana and Panj Dhera in (Jalandhar district).
It may be mentioned that 32 quarries were already operational in the State including 11 mines being operated by PSIEC which include Adraman, Bassia, Sanghera (Moga), Pawat, Gujjarwal Bet, Mand Chaunta, Miana, Koom Kalan (Ludhiana), Burj Tehal Dass (SBS Nagar), Digana Khurd (Hoshiarpur) and Jhungian Mahan Singh (Jalandhar).The spokesman said Punjab government was committed to provide sand and gravel on reasonable rates to the people and that’s why the state has put an embargo on ferrying of sand and gravel out of the state. It is pertinent to mention here that to plug illegal mining in all districts 4 police officers have been deployed in each district while a SP and 3 DSPs have already been deputed to keep a check on illegal querying and lifting. Directions have also been issued to contractors to install display boards carrying fixed rates at quarry sites as well as delivery points.
He also informed that the rates of sand have been fixed from Rs. 460 to Rs. 700 against the per 100 Quebec feet, which also includes lifting charges. The spokesman also appealed the people to file a complaint with the Director Mining, Industry and Commerce by email at [email protected] or at 0172-2701226, in case if any contractor charges more price against the preset rates fixed by the department. Besides, people could also contact the concerned Deputy Commissioner, GM-cum-Mining officer or SP (Mining) on mobile number 87288-00053 for further information. EOM