Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray today chaired a meeting of District Level Task Force Cell (DLSWC) for re-fixation of rates of Minor Mineral Blocks of Kupwara district at DC Office Complex, here.
The meeting discussed threadbare various issues related to e-auction of minor blocks, fixation of revised rates, identification of new sites where e-auction of material in Nallah beds, quarry belts could be undertaken.
The meeting was informed that in Kupwara district there are 28 Minor mineral blocks which are identified for e-auction. Due to strenuous efforts of the Geology and Mining Department, along with Police and Irrigation and Flood control Departments there is significant control on illegal mining particularly on riverbed mining.
Meeting was apprised that during the financial year 2022-23, Geology and Mining Department has imposed a fine of Rs 97 lakhs and seized 490 vehicles for illegal mining.
The DC asked the concerned departments to issue an advisory regarding completely banning sand from horticulture Orchards in Karewa belts of Handwara Sub division and forest areas.
The DC who is also the Chairman of District Level Single Window Committee (DLSWC) for Kupwara district stressed upon the concerned officers to ensure that there should be no illegal mining outside the registered blocks from any nallah of Kupwara district.
Regarding revision of rates, evaluation and fixing of price for Minor minerals, and Minor mineral products it was told that rates were previously fixed by the Committee in year 2020 and due to price escalation rates need revision.
Finally the District level Single Window Committee headed by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara approved the latest rates which are as under:
Revised rates of Sand in 2023-24 are Rs 32, Rates of Nallah Bajri are Rs 18, rates of Nallah Boulders in 2023-24 are Rs.7, rates of Nallah Mukh are Rs 5.50, revised rates of clay are Rs 3, revised rates of crushed bajri 10-20 mm are Rs 30, rates of crushed Bajri 40 mm is Rs 29, similarly rates of crushed bajri 65 mm Rs 28, rates of silt are Rs 15 and rates of stone have been fixed at Rs 8.
The DC stressed upon the officers to work with added dedication and sincerity keeping in view the important role of mining.SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas, District Mineral Officer, Shujaat Qureshi; Executive Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control, representatives of Kehmil and Kamraj forest divisions and other concerned attended the meeting.