Kota | Jun 03, 2016: Hundreds of minor minerals mines, which failed to obtain the NGT-mandated environment clearance (EC) in Kota region were forced to discontinue operations, leaving thousands of labourers without work.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), vide its order dated January 13, 2015 had directed the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) to draft a policy on environmental clearance (EC) for mining leases in cluster for minor minerals, including building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand, among others.
Initially, the NGT had set a time limit of six months for the mines to obtain EC and later extended it till January this year. Thereafter, seeking another extension on the time limit, the Rajasthan government had approached the NGT, which declined the request and made it clear for the mine owners to apply for EC and obtain it latest by May 31, 2016.
In Bundi district alone, more than 900 mines remained shut, while only 23 which obtained the EC continued to function, officials said.
Orders to shut operations were issued to mine owners who have not yet obtained the EC, D P Goud, superintendent mining engineer (SME), Kota told media.
He added no further direction for resumption of operation at the mines has been received from the senior officials.The department had on Wednesday stopped issuance of departure slips (Ravanne) to those not having EC, Sunil Sharma, Mining Engineer, Bundi Mining Department, Division II, told media.
He added that only 23 mine owners have obtained EC from the committee headed by the district collector.
Around 40,000 to 50,000 people in the mineral-rich areas of Dhabi, Budhpura, Lambakhoh in Bundi district were also left without work and wages.
NGT order has left thousands of labourers, mostly hailing from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, without employment, said Suraj Mal Bansal, president, Bundi Sandstone Mine Owner Vikas Samiti, and demanded that the government take immediate steps for a solution to the "crisis" created by the NGT order.
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)