Himachal to Revise Mining Policy, Chief Minister Announces
Shimla, March 27: The mining policy in Himachal Pradesh is set to undergo significant changes, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The announcement was made in the state Assembly on Friday during the Question Hour in response to a query raised by Chamba MLA Neeraj Nayyar. Sukhu stated that the state government is committed to revisiting the current mining policy to make it more efficient, transparent, and aligned with the state’s developmental goals.
In his statement, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government would thoroughly study all aspects of the existing policy and consider input from the public, ensuring that the revised framework addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved. “The existing mining rules, which have been in place since 1971, were amended in 2015. However, it is time to review these provisions to ensure they reflect the current needs and challenges of the mining sector,” said Sukhu.
The decision to overhaul the policy comes amid growing concerns over environmental impact, illegal mining activities, and the need for more transparent and efficient procedures for granting mining leases. Sukhu assured that the government would take a comprehensive approach in studying the existing rules and solicit suggestions from the public to ensure that the new policy is balanced and effective.
The announcement of a policy change has sparked discussions about the potential implications for the mining industry in the state, which plays a vital role in Himachal Pradesh’s economy. As the government looks to reform mining regulations, the focus will likely be on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and improving the management of resources while safeguarding the environment.
Earlier in the session, Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan provided additional details regarding ongoing mining activities in the state. He responded to a question from Bharmour MLA Dr. Janak Raj regarding the approval of mining leases in Chamba district. Chauhan confirmed that the government had approved one mining lease in Talodi, situated on the banks of Syul Khad in the Salooni tehsil, and additional leases in Kandla and Mohri areas.
The Industry Minister further clarified that there had been no violations of the established mining policies or rules while granting these leases. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all mining operations adhere to legal and regulatory standards, with a focus on transparency and compliance.
The mining sector in Himachal Pradesh has been a subject of debate for years, with concerns over its environmental impact, particularly on the state’s fragile ecosystem. The revision of the mining policy is expected to address these issues and establish a more sustainable and regulated framework for the industry. Environmentalists and local communities have long called for stricter regulations and better monitoring of mining activities to prevent further degradation of the state’s natural resources.
As the government moves forward with its plans to change the mining policy, all eyes will be on the proposed reforms and how they will balance economic growth with environmental conservation. The involvement of the public in shaping these changes is seen as a positive step toward creating a more inclusive and responsible policy that benefits both the people of Himachal Pradesh and the state’s long-term development.
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