Jharkhand Speeds Up Sand Ghat Auction Amid Policy Overhaul
Jharkhand aims to finalize the auction of commercial sand ghats by mid-September to ensure availability and transparency in the sector. Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari stresses understanding of the new, fair policy, which bans illegal trade. The policy details involvement of deputy commissioners in execution.
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- India
Jharkhand's Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari has mandated the completion of the auction process for commercial sand ghats by mid-September. During a video conference with deputy commissioners (DCs), Tiwari emphasized understanding the new policy to ensure transparency and avoid technical hurdles.
The policy seeks to provide sand at fair prices, ban illegal trade, and reduce inflow from other states. Mines Secretary Arava Rajkamal highlighted the role of DCs in this auction, noting that preparation before the National Green Tribunal's mining ban lifts on October 15 is crucial to prevent sand shortages.
Sand ghats are categorized based on size: smaller ones are managed by gram sabhas, while larger ones are auctioned. The government has formed groups for auctioning large sand ghats, capping individual contracts to ensure fair distribution.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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