Potash exploration: Barinder Kumar Goyal accuses Centre of discrimination
Chandigarh: Alleging discrimination by the Centre, mining and geology minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday said Punjab was facing "unjustifiable" treatment regarding the development of its valuable potash deposits.He said this mineral resource could bring tremendous economic and agricultural benefits to both the state and the nation. "Despite the discovery of substantial potash reserves near the Muktsar and Abohar regions, an area bordering Rajasthan where similar deposits have been found, the Union govt has consistently withheld necessary approvals for further exploration and development," claimed Goyal.The minister said he was unsuccessfully seeking time for a meeting with Union mines minister G Kishan Reddy for two and a half months. "Potash is a crucial mineral that is not found elsewhere in the country. Currently, India imports 100% of its potash requirements, which significantly depletes our foreign exchange reserves," he said.Goyal was addressing a press conference with Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema following the launch of a portal on obtaining mining permissions.Goyal said: "While 158 drilling sites have been established in Rajasthan's adjacent area to determine the location, quality, and quantity of potash deposits, merely nine drilling sites have been permitted in Punjab. This glaring disparity was formally raised during a recent All-India Mining and Geology Ministers' Conclave in Odisha."During his field visit to the area, Goyal dispelled widespread misconceptions among residents who feared their lands would be permanently acquired. He explained that potash extraction would occur approximately 450 meters below the surface, with minimal disruption to agricultural activities above. "The test drilling required only a negligible portion of land. As per a study, by drilling at one place, potash can be extracted from an area of 25 acres beneath the earth," he added.Meanwhile, launching the official portal – https://minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in – for mining permissions, Cheema said for landowner mining sites (LMS) and crusher mining sites (CRMS) "the landowners can now seamlessly apply for mining permissions through a user-centric interface that prioritises accessibility and simplicity"."The applications will be processed with unprecedented expediency, ensuring that eligible landowners can commence legitimate mining operations without procedural impediments," said Cheema.Goyal said: "The simplified application forms minimise documentation requirements, focusing only on essential credentials, including landowner details, land particulars, and mining proposals. Following document verification, the department of mines and geology will issue letters of intent (LOI) to eligible applicants.""Subsequently, applicants must secure mandatory clearances, including environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and consent to operate from the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Upon submission of all required clearances, a formal mining agreement will be executed, permitting commencement of mining activities in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.Speaking about the new mining policy, Cheema said: "The key highlight of the new policy is that it empowers the landowners. Under this revamped framework, landowners will now have the direct right to mine sand and gravel on their own land without the need for auctions. Furthermore, the new mining policy incorporates robust technological measures to eradicate illegal mining activities with the mandatory deployment of cameras and radio frequency identification surveillance across mining sites and transportation routes."MSID:: 120938274 413 |
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Hindustan Times
14 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
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Time of India
24 minutes ago
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Time of India
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