Better coordination needed to counter illegal mining: Centre

The government has sought better coordination between the Centre and states to effectively tackle the menace of illegal mining which has been rampant in the country.

“Coordination between the Centre and states will have to be improved further to effectively control illegal mining,” Mines and Steel Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said at a meeting of Consultative Committee of Mines Ministry held here yesterday.

“Several steps have been taken in this direction. I have been taken in this direction. I have gone to different states and met Chief Ministers and Mines Ministers.

“Regular interactions are being held at Secretary level for better coordination,” he was quoted as saying in an official release.

Stating that his Ministry has sought help from all states to save natural resources, he said many states have taken concrete steps while others are yet to take any action.

“Just like there are various types of mining, there are various ways of illegal mining. All of us will together have to create such an environment, wherein controlling illegal mining becomes a priority for everyone,” he added.

Panel members suggested measures like strengthening of central inspection system, relook at royalty rates, giving importance to environment concerns and involving local people to counter illegal mining.  Meanwhile, the minister discussed with a visiting Polish delegation on ways to explore cooperation in mining and coal sectors and urged them to forge partnership in exploration as much as in mining.

Jerry Pietrewicz, State Minister of Economy, Poland, said Polish firms are keen on partnering Indian companies to modernise their mines.