Raj to allow mining in Banshi Pahadpur

JAIPUR: Rajasthan government will allow mining in the hills of Banshi Pahadpur, from where sandstone is being supplied to build Ram temple in Ayodhya, after the Union government has given “first level” approval for the forest land conversion.

Additional chief secretary, Mines and Petroleum, Subodh Agrawal said that the approval of the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change has paved way for the auction after preparing mining blocks in Banshi Paharpur. “Now, legal mining in the area will be done and sandstone for Ram temple will be available through mining in a valid way,” he said.

He said that due to the constant efforts by chief minister Ashok Gehlot, mining area in Banshi Paharpur was taken out of the wildlife sanctuary area in March. In view of the demand of pink and red stone of Banshi Paharpur across the country, Gehlot had directed to make all possible efforts to allow legal mining in the area, and as a result of that, in March this area was taken out of the wildlife sanctuary area by the central government and now the proposal for diversion of forest land has been allowed, he said.

“In view of the demand of Banshi Paharpur stone for the construction of Ram temple, it has been sensitive to the state government,” said Agarwal.

He said the first level permission for diversion of 398 hectare area of Banshi Paharpur hills has been issued by the Union Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate on June 11.

“Now, the department will soon organise the demarcation work in this area and prepare blocks for auction, which will be e-auctioned. According to a rough estimate, about 70 blocks are likely to be developed in this area,” the additional chief secretary said.

He said the department has started the demarcation process and efforts are being made to complete it by the month end, so that the e-auction can be done in a transparent manner through the Government of India’s e-portal at the earliest.

He said that with the start of legal mining activities in this area, thousands of local and other people will get direct and indirect employment, while investment will come in the mineral industry sector and mineral industries will be established.