Raj CM directs mine department to control 'Bajri' sale price

Over staggering price of Bajri (riverbed sand/gravel) in the state in the wake of the legal wranglings, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today asked the mining department bureaucrats to not only ensure its supply but also control its price rise for customers.
The policy of granting lease on Bajri should be reviewed and a high level committee be formed to control and ensure its supply on daily basis, reviewing the mining department's schemes and plans, Raje told the officials here at secretariat.
Not only a stern action be ensured against bajri mafia but also monitor its supply and price effectively, and truck union operating the transportation should also be instructed to follow rules and guidelines, she said.

The meeting was attended among others by Mines Minister Kailsah Meghwal, Chief Secretary Rajiv Mahrishi, Transport Commissioner Mukesh Sharma, and Mines and Petroleum Secretary Sudhansh Panth.
Currently 'bajri' being sold at staggering price from Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000 per truck (or 400 sq feet) for construction purpose in local mandi, and there was a steep rise after its mining was stopped, following the Rajasthan High Court directions over environmental concerns.
However the Supreme Court recently has passed an interim order to allow mining conditionally till February next year and the permit or letter of intent holders have to get environmental clearnace till then, according to the mining department sources.