From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 10: Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani on Wednesday announced a slew of measures to ensure hassle-free supply of sand to the common man and meeting the demand-supply gap.

Announcing the details and salient features of Karnataka’s new mining policy, Nirani said the new policy was aimed at mopping up a revenue collection of Rs 3,750 crore during the year 2020-21 and double it in the next financial year.

The policy envisages setting up a full-fledged Mining University in the State on the lines of the National Mines University established in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad.

The State Government proposes to set up mining adalats for the first time in all the four revenue divisions and also in the coastal region, which is expected to expedite the speedy clearance of mining proposals, Nirani said.

The Minister said sub-divisions are being created at the taluk level by the Mines and Geology Department.

He also said geologists working the State capital of Bengaluru must compulsorily work at the district and taluk levels so as to be fully acquainted with all the activities of the department.

The Minister said the mines department is planning to set up Karnataka Mineral Industrial Development Board on the lines of KIADB.

He also said single-window agency has been set up for the first time in the department to expedite the disposal of applications of industrialists for mining proposals and Deputy Commissioner will head the committee at the district level, the single window agency will help in obtaining licenses easily and get rid of red-tapism and also ensure speedy clearance of proposals with coordination among Forest, Environment, Revenue and Home departments.

The other salient features are:

• Government will ensure availability of sand easily and at lower prices for those in need
• Mines and Geology department will be taking several structural reforms to stop harassment
• Uniform price should be maintained for sand transportation in Gram Panchayat limits
• The new sand provisions to benefit Ashraya and other housing schemes at Gram Panchayat level
• Rate of Rs 300 per tonne fixed for extracting sand from pits and ponds
• 183 sand blocks identified in the state
• Sand should be transported in bullock carts and two-wheelers
• Royalty will be levied on tipper, lorry and other vehicles transporting sand
• Sand should be transported only in the jurisdictional limits
• Transportation of sand from one district to another district will not be allowed
• Tough action will be taken if officials notice illegal activities
• District Mineral Foundation trusts are existing in the State to handle basic necessities like drinking water, environmental protection and measures to control pollution, health, education, programmes related to women and child welfare, welfare of aged and differently-abled people, skill development, hygiene, creation of physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy and water conservation and Improving air quality in mining districts