Ranchi | Jul 14, 2016: Chief minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday chaired the first review meeting of Jharkhand district mineral foundation, asking deputy commissioners of all the mineral-rich districts to convene a meeting and forward a proposal to the government regarding development in the region. Das expressed concern over the quality of drinking water available in the various blocks of West Singhbhum district, also known as Saranda region which is known for rich iron ore reserves. The meeting is happening almost three months after the state government issued a gazette notification for the mineral foundation (trust) Rules 2016.
Das said, "People here are forced to consume turbid and red water because of pollution and the local administration should take immediate measures to ensure that pure potable drinking water is available," assuring that there is no dearth of fund.
The meeting was attended by chief secretary Rajbala Verma, additional chief secretary cum development commissioner Amit Khare, Additional chief secretary, health K Vidyasagar, secretary education Aradhna Patnayak and others.
Das directed the officials to ensure that all projects related to health, education and drinking water are started in the blocks wherever mining is done. "Starting with the mining blocks, the administration should focus on the entire district," he said. The CM also asked the DCs to prepare a comprehensive plan and announced to chair a meeting with the DCs of the mineral rich districts soon.
Das said that once ground report from the respective DCs reach the state headquarters ,it would be easy for the state government to plan and execute opening of the health sub-centres, laying of pipelines, providing amenities at the school campuses.
Special secretary to CM, Sunil Kumar Barnwal informed that this year the state expects to collect Rs1,000 crore as royalty from major minerals and 10% of the amount would be spent through district mineral foundation trust as mandated under the 2015 amendment (MMDR) Act. "The aim of the DMF is to work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas, affected by mining related operations. The manner in which the DMF shall work for the interest and benefit of persons of areas affected by mining, has been finalized by the respective state governments under the rules notified by each one of them," said Barnwal.
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)