Chairman of Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Shikhar Agrawal, on Thursday issued orders to the effect that mining lease holders can now contribute a specified amount of money to the forest department, which will undertake the plantation instead of them.
“Previously, for mining lease approval, entrepreneurs were required to conduct plantation that covered 1/3rd of the mining area, causing challenges in some cases. The new approach aims to resolve these issues and align with environmental goals,” said an official of the pollution control board.
Guidelines for implementation of the orders have been issued, the official said. The move is expected to encourage mining and create a conducive environment for businesses while supporting ecological preservation efforts, the official said.
