In order to ensure the adequate supply of sand and gravel to the people at affordable prices, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has directed the Industries and Mining department to conduct reverse bidding of 80 mines by September 20.Presiding over a high level meeting to streamline the supply of sand and gravel in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the state aims at limiting the price of sand between Rs 600-650 per hundreds cubic feet so as to facilitate the common man. Pertinently, the daily demand of sand in the state was 58000 tonne approximately. It was informed in the meeting that these mines would supply about 90 lakh tonnes sand per annum and able to meet the demand and supply chain in the state.Mr Badal has also asked the Chief Secretary Mr Sarvesh Kaushal to form committees under the Sub Divisional Magistrates so as to explore the possibilities of mining of gravel from the areas excluding Punjab Land Periphery Act (PLPA) in Kandi areas of Rupnagar, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur districts.
Mr Badal also asked the Irrigation and Industries departments to explore the feasibility for mining of sand from river beds of Satluj and Beas by dredging in order to meet heavy demand of sand. He also asked the mining department to issue disposal permits to the Irrigation department during dredging of canals and rivers.Deputy Chief Minister said that he would personally monitor the availability of mining material to the general public and review the position after few weeks. Mining department officials informed in the meeting that 70 mines were already operational in the state and cases for environmental clearance for more 150 mines have been submitted to the union government. He added that after obtaining clearance from the environment ministry these mines would also be auctioned at the earliest.
Taking strict cognizance of reports regarding selling of local sand and gravel to other neighbouring states, the Deputy CM asked the officers to levy heavy tax on vehicles ferrying sand and gravel from Punjab to other states. Mr Badal directed the department that quarrying of sand and gravel should be accelerated to increase supply in the market so that prices could come down considerably.Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Industries Anirudh Tewari, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Media Advisor to Deputy CM Mr.Jangveer Singh, Secretary Irrigation Kahan Singh Pannu, and MD PSIEC Amit Dhaka.