SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Mining Department has granted 204 mining leases for riverbed material (RBM) blocks and one mining lease for an in-situ deposit through e-auction to support the availability of construction minerals for public infrastructure projects.
The department said an administrative mechanism is already in place to facilitate the lawful and timely supply of minor minerals, including sand, aggregate, RBM and other construction material required for government projects.
It provided the information in response to starred question D No. 1/6/110, tabled by Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani regarding alleged shortages of essential construction material and their impact on ongoing developmental and infrastructure works in Jammu and Kashmir.
The department said whenever complaints regarding non-availability of mineral material for government development works are received, necessary action is taken under the applicable rules to address the issue.
However, it clarified that extraction of riverbed material is prohibited during the monsoon period from July 1 to September 15 under applicable regulatory restrictions and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, including the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2020.
The department said its operations are governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
It said the lawful extraction and supply of minor minerals is facilitated through mining leases awarded through e-auction, quarry licences, Short-Term Permits (STPs) and disposal permits issued to project-executing agencies and contractors.
STPs and disposal permits are being issued through the department’s online portal to executing agencies involved in government construction projects, subject to prescribed statutory requirements.
The department said the mechanism is intended to ensure uninterrupted availability of minor minerals for public infrastructure projects and local consumption while preventing illegal mining.
It also clarified that monitoring the progress, execution schedules and delays in individual infrastructure projects falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the respective executing departments and agencies, including the Public Works Department, National Highways Authority of India, PMGSY and Jal Shakti Department.
Where executing agencies face difficulties in obtaining construction material, they are required to identify legal sources or approach the Mining Department for resolution of their grievances, the government said.
The department did not provide district-wise details of projects allegedly delayed by shortages of construction material or the duration of any such delays in its reply.
It said the availability and supply of minerals for development works are being managed through the existing regulatory and permit framework.
