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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 20 May 2023

• Discussions held on DMFT Action Plan, Rate Revision and Single Window Clearance

SAMBA: Deputy Commissioner of Samba, Abhishek Sharma, today presided over a series of crucial meetings of the committees to focus on combating illegal mining activities and streamlining administrative processes.

The discussions included constitution of a Multi-Departmental District Level Task Force Committee for monitoring mining operations, the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) Annual Action Plan, the committee responsible for revising rates of minor minerals, and the conversion of measurements from Cubic Feet (CFT) to Metric Tons (MT). The meeting also covered the implementation of a single window clearance system for various types of No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

During the meeting, the Member Secretary of DMFT and MDDLTFC presented a comprehensive overview of the achievements and responsibilities of the departments through a detailed PowerPoint presentation.

Notable attendees included the Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Additional Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Revenue, Chief Planning Officer, Chief Medical Officer, District Panchayat Officer, Chief Agricultural Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Additional Legal Counsel, Executive Engineer of Public Works Department, Executive Engineer of Flood Control, Divisional Forest Officer, Executive Engineer of Public Health Engineering, District Legal Metrology Officer, and District Traffic Inspector.

The discussions primarily focused on strengthening control and regulatory measures to ensure strict compliance to the mining rules. The participants engaged in extensive deliberations regarding the Priority Sector under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) scheme, which utilizes the funds from DMFT. The DMFT plan for 2023 envisages spending on crucial areas, such as drinking water, education, healthcare, capacity building and environmental protection.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the revision of rates and the conversion of sale measurements from CFT to MT. It was decided that no rate hike would be implemented and the existing rates would be enforced as it is.

In a bid to streamline administrative procedures, the meeting also emphasized the implementation of a single window clearance system. Officers were instructed to provide the required NOCs based on the format devised by the Jammu and Kashmir Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA). A timeline was set to ensure prompt action and adherence to the new system.

The Deputy Commissioner expressed his optimism about the outcomes of the meeting and reiterated the commitment of the district administration to enforce mining rules effectively. The concerted efforts of the multi-departmental task force and committees are expected to enhance mining regulation, boost development initiatives through DMFT funds, and facilitate a more streamlined administrative process for mining-related activities in the district.