State governments have auctioned 133 mineral blocks to private cos in last 5 yrs: Joshi

New Delhi: During the last five years, 133 mineral blocks have been auctioned by various state governments to private companies, said the Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi in a written reply. He also stated that the approval of the government was conveyed to the various state governments for 16 proposals for reservation of area under Section 17A of the MMDR Act 1957 in favour of government companies.

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19267.47 hectares of forest land has been diverted due to mining activities in the last 5 yrs: Joshi

"As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, a total of 19267.47 hectares of forest land has been diverted due to mining activities in the last five years. Information regarding the people displaced and rehabilitated due to mining activities is maintained by the respective state governments," said Joshi.

"The Mines and Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 was amended with effect from January 12, 2015 whereby auction regime was introduced for grant of mineral concessions to bring in greater transparency and remove discretion at all levels in grant of mineral concessions," said the mines minister. "The auction is carried out by the respective state governments. In addition to auction, mineral concessions are also granted to the government companies through area reservation as per Section 17A of the MMDR Act 1957," Joshi added.

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