Latest news with #DepartmentofMinesandGeology
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Relief for quarry, mineral leaseholders: Apply online for term extn by Sept 30
Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Saturday granted administrative approval to extend the deadline for submitting applications for the extension of mining leases for quarry license holders and minor mineral leaseholders until Sept 30. Amendments will be made to Rule 9 (3A) and Rule 10 (3A) of the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules-2017 for this purpose, according to an official statement. "This decision will not only increase the state's revenue but also effectively curb illegal mining. Additionally, it will provide relief to approximately 2,500 quarry license holders by addressing practical issues arising in the delineation process of expired quarry licenses," it stated. Various public representatives brought to the CM's attention that many quarry license holders were unable to apply for the extension online by the previously set deadline of 31 March due to the non-updating of quarry license data on the DMG online system of the Department of Mines and Geology.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Illegal extraction of sand, laterite stones won't be allowed in Dakshina Kannada, says Dinesh Gundu Rao
Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday that the government will not allow illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones in Dakshina Kannada. Chairing the quarterly Karnataka Development Programme Review Committee meeting, Mr. Rao said that those behind the illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones were found to be involved in communal incidents as well. It may be noted that the recent mob lynching and two murders have disturbed peace in the region. 'We are taking firm action against those involved in the illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones. There is no going back on this decision. However, the government will work out ways to legally allow the extraction of sand and laterite stones,' he said. The Lokayukta has registered two cases, including one suo motu case against 18 officials, in connection with illegal laterite stone extraction, he noted. Senior Geologist G.U. Sandeep said 27,500 tonnes of sand were available in the Department of Mines and Geology's stockyard, and 10,911 metric tonnes of it were purchased in April and May. People can buy sand through the district administration's Sand Bazar app, where three tonnes of sand cost approximately ₹12,000, he said. From the 15 blocks in the non-CRZ area for which permission for sand extraction has been issued, an estimated 3.44 lakh metric tonnes of sand is available. Permission for the extraction of sand from an additional 18 blocks in a non-CRZ area, where an estimated 2.81 lakh metric tonnes of sand is available, will be issued shortly. In 2024-25, 74,650 metric tonnes of sand were sold, while 11,412 metric tonnes were sold between April 2025 and March 31. As much as 1.16 lakh metric tonnes of m-sand was used for various civil works in the district in 2024-25, while 27,034 metric tonnes of m-sand were used in the period between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. From 19 places in patta land for which permission for the extraction of laterite stones was issued, as much as 30,000 metric tonnes of laterite stones have been extracted. Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said cases have been registered against all those involved in illegal extraction and transportation of sand and laterite stones. 'If they continue with the illegal activity, then they will face serious legal repercussions,' Mr. Reddy said. Superintendent of Police K. Arun said laterite stones extracted in the district were being illegally transported to Maharashtra and Kerala. Moobidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja, MLCs Ivan D'souza, Manjunath Bhandary and Kishore Kumar Puttur said action against illegal extraction of sand and laterite stones has led to a shortage of supply of sand and stones for construction activities.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Deputy Director of Mines and Geology Krishnaveni suspended
The State government has suspended Krishnaveni, Deputy Director of Department of Mines and Geology, Dakshina Kannada, who was arrested by Lokayukta police here on May 28, 2025 on the charge of accepting bribe of ₹50,000. In the order on June 21, Under Secretary (Mines-2), Commerce and Industries Department, H.M. Manjunath, said Krishnaveni was suspnded, pending departmental inquiry, with effect from May 28. The Lokayukta police said she was caught accepting bribe of ₹50,000 through department's driver Madhu. This was related to granting permission for levelling 0.35 acres of 1.39 acres of land in Ira village of Ullal Taluk. Krishanveni had asked R. Pradeep Kumar, the first division assistant in her office, to take ₹50,000 from the applicant for signing on the file. Apart from Krishnaveni, the Lokayukta police arrested Pradeep Kumar and Madhu. Krishaveni was released from Mangaluru prison on June 16. Director of Mines and Geology ordered suspension of Pradeep Kumar with effect from May 31. He wrote to the government for suspending Krishnaveni as she was in prison for more than 48 hours since her arrest. He quoted Rule 10(2) of Karnataka Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules 1957, which states that an official will be deemed to be under suspension by the order of appointing authority with effect from the date for detention if the period of detention was beyond 48 hours. Meanwhile, Ms. Krishnaveni filed a writ petition seeking quashing of the case against her. She also sought an interim relief of stay of investigation of the case and direction to government not to make any alteration in the service conditions. The High Court on June 13 granted stay and directed government not to alter service conditions till next date of hearing. In the June 21 order, the Under Secretary said placing the officer under suspension was as per rules and it will not be alteration to service conditions.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Haryana charges 6 officials over illegal Aravalli mining in Nuh
The Haryana government has formally acknowledged large-scale illegal mining in Rawa village of Nuh district, dating back to 2011. Acting on a geospatial probe, the state has charged six senior officials from the Department of Mines and Geology under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules for their alleged role in the mining. An area where illegal mining used to take place at Panchgaon village in Nuh. (HT Archive) The officials named in the government communique include Assistant Mining Officer R.S. Thakran and Mining Officers Bhupender Singh, BD Yadav, Rajender Prasad, Anil Kumar, and Anil Atwal. The probe, ordered by Commissioner and Secretary, Mines and Geology, T.L. Satya Prakash, found that around 25 acres of Aravalli hill land in Haryana's revenue territory had been illegally mined by leaseholders from Rajasthan. The excavation spanned from November 2011 to January 2025, resulting in the loss of over 80 lakh tonnes of Aravalli stone. 'While taking strict cognisance of the illegal mining activities, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed that six officers of the Mining Department be charge-sheeted. He has also ordered action against staff from the Panchayat and Forest Departments found complicit in the case,' the state government said in a statement. The crackdown follows a complaint alleging excess extraction in Rawa village, located in Ferozepur Jhirka tehsil. Subsequent departmental investigations confirmed the illegal operations. Despite multiple attempts, Satya Prakash and director general of Mining, Pandurang did not respond to HT's request for a comment. Environmental activists have long flagged unchecked mining in fragile Aravalli zones like Nuh, warning of severe ecological consequences. A senior official, requesting anonymity, said the Rawa case could be 'just the tip of the iceberg', with more action expected in the coming weeks.
