Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy
|| Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy|| HP Mineral Policy||
The state has been implementing new plans from time to time to meet the present challenges. These challenges are the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh where mining considerations are different as compared to the plains, ecological and environmental problems particular to the state and the growing demand of minerals. The main objectives of Mineral Policy of the state are To explore mineral wealth of the state by adopting modern exploration techniques.
- To take effective measures for checking unauthorised mining and leakage of revenue. To simplify and adequately modify Himachal Pradesh Minor Mineral Revised Rules, 1971.
- To adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF), Government of India, for exploitation of minor minerals. To exploit mineral deposit by promoting adoption of mechanised and scientific mining with due regard to the conservation of mineral, mine safety and environmental aspect. Value addition through promotion of processing units and mineral based industries in the state.
- To increase the employment opportunity in the mining sector, particularly in the interior/remote areas of the state.
The state is facing problems of illegal mining which is leading to over exploitation of the mineral resources. This also leads to land degradation and disrupts the natural environment. In 2015, the state under the state act of Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage has ordered stringent punishment of imprisonment of upto 2 years and a fine of 7 25000. To end illegal stone quarrying (in lesser Himalaya region) the imprisonment is for 2 years and fine of * 5 lakh. These quarries provide building material to Shimla and Kangra.
Mining Limits
Under the same act the state has set the mining limits. No mining can be undertaken in the state within a distance of 2 km from immediate outer limits of Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committee and 1 km from Nagar Panchayat. Mining cannot be undertaken within 100 m from the edges of national highways and forest areas and 200 m within upstream/downstream of river that are marked under water supply scheme.
|| Himachal Pradesh Mineral Policy|| HP Mineral Policy||
