The mines department had invited bids between March 2 and March 25 to auction the fresh blocks for mining. The forest department was caught unawares till the time bids were invited.
Following this, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) DP Jagawat wrote to the mining department and head of forest forces (HOFF) claiming that auctions were invited without obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the forest department. Moreover, e-auctioning of forest land for mining is a violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Jagawat said, “The matter was brought to the notice of senior forest officials and the mining department. Diversion of forest land for mining and other non-forestry purposes is mandatory under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. However, no such process before initiating the mining auctioning was carried out. The mining department cannot auction forest land without approval of the forest department.”
The mining blocks on forest land will be auctioned for 30 years. The mining department claimed as per the clause, successful bidders will have to procure NOC from the forest department and get the land diverted. An official source at mining department said, “The state government has made provisions to invite the auctions and the process was initiated as per rules. Recently, at a meeting chaired by the chief secretary, directions were given to identify such blocks.”
Dept auctioning forest land sans ownership
Environmental activists alleged that to fill its coffers, the state government is setting a wrong precedent. The mining department is auctioning forest land without having an ownership title.
People for Animal state coordinator Babu Lal Jaju said, “The mining department is benefitting businessmen at the cost of the environment. It is illegal to auction forest land for mining and state government should cancel it immediately, otherwise we will approach the court.”
