The Punjab government has decided to adopt an open bidding mechanism for mining on panchayat lands. “Three thousand acres of panchayat land on the banks of rivers which is suitable for mining have been identified, the e-auction of which would yield an income of ₹100 crore,” said Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Rural Development Minister, at a press conference here.
He said the department would encourage afforestation and promote agro-forestry to increase panchayat income.