Punjab government to dedicate 21 more new public sand mines: Meet Hayer

Chandigarh, March 1, 2023:

          Following the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to supply sand to the people of the state at affordable rates, the number of public mines started by the mining department for common people has been set to increase from 32 sites to 50 by March 15.

          It was disclosed by Mining Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today at Punjab Bhavan during a meeting held with all the district officials of the department to review the work of public sites. In a short period of three weeks after the inauguration of the supply of Rs 5.50 sand per cubic feet, the public has so far used 1,99,991.67 MT of sand through 19516 trolleys. The overwhelming response received from the people. Local labourers have also found work. This has directly and indirectly provided employment to many youths.

          Meet Hayer further said that if anyone wants to give his land for mining, he can approach the district mining officer of the department., he can also contact the department's toll free number 18001802422 or can email [email protected]. He further said that because of the demand of the people and to increase the supply of affordable sand to the people of the state, today asked the district officials to identify more public sites in their respective areas. Ludhiana being the centre of the state asked to establish a maximum number of public sites in this district.

          As part of a major pro-people initiative, the Mining Minister said that 33 sites in 14 districts have been dedicated to the people. The government has set a target of starting 150 public sites for the convenience of the people, under which 50 sites will be made operational by March 15.

          During the meeting, the minister seeks feedback and reviews the work to ensure that every public site is functioning properly. On this occasion, the case of the panchayat obstructing the work at some places came to light, after which the mining minister asked the higher authorities to resolve the matter with the panchayat department. A new mining policy is also coming soon. The government has zero tolerance against illegal mining.

          The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director DPS Kharbanda, Chief Engineer N.K. Jain and all district officials, zonal DSPs among others.