Centre seeks ATR on sand, gravel extraction in Baramulla

Srinagar, Jan 9: The Union Ministry of Mines has formally taken up the issue of sand and gravel extraction from local nallahs in Baramulla district and sought appropriate action from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with existing mining laws.
According to an official communication issued from Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, the Ministry of Mines has forwarded a VIP reference received from Engineer Rashid, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, highlighting concerns over extraction of sand and gravel from local nallahs in Baramulla district.
The communication, addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Mining Department, Jammu and Kashmir, states that sand and gravel are classified as minor minerals under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957. It further notes that under Section 15 of the Act, the State Government is empowered to frame rules regulating quarry leases, mining leases and other mineral concessions related to minor minerals.
The Ministry has requested the Jammu and Kashmir government to examine the matter in detail and take appropriate action strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957, along with the rules and guidelines notified thereunder.
The Union Ministry has also asked the UT administration to furnish an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the issue, which is to be provided to the Member of Parliament under intimation to the Ministry of Mines.
The letter, issued with the approval of the competent authority, underscores the Centre’s expectation that the matter be handled within the legal framework governing minor mineral extraction. [KNT]