Govt seeks single survey to fast-track mining leases

Amid concerns that the Centre's definition of the Aravalli hills will open the range up for mining, the Union environment ministry earlier this month ordered states and Union territories to conduct just one survey of forests to be mined, saying "repetitive" surveys caused delays and "unnecessary expenditure".

- Jayashree Nandi

In the letter, dated December 11, the ministry said separate surveys by multiple agencies as well as the bidder delayed the execution of mining leases.

Experts, however, criticised the move and pointed out that each survey had separate objectives and unique parameters. A joint check, they argued, will not meet these standards, impinge on each department's autonomy and will water down a crucial process baked into law to safeguard forests and green spaces.

The letter, signed by Charan Jeet Singh, a scientist at the forest conservation division of the Union environment ministry, said, "It has been observed that separate surveys of forest areas proposed for diversion are currently being undertaken by multiple agencies; by the Mining Department during the pre-auction stage, by the bidder at the postauction stage, and by the Forest Department while preparing proposals for diversion of forest land." HT has seen a copy of the letter. This "repetition" leads to "duplication of effort, unnecessary expenditure of resources, and delays in completing the statutory processes required prior to the execution of the lease," it said.