Mining licences: Haryana may approach court

Karan Dev Kamboj, Haryana Food and Supplies Minister, has said the State government may consider approaching the court to review the cancellation of sand mining licences in the State. Procuring stones from Uttar Pradesh is likely to begin to overcome the shortage of sand and gravel.

The Minister said efforts are also being made to ensure supply of sand from non-forest and non-agricultural land through a licensing mechanism.

In 2012, the Supreme Court had made it clear to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan that no mining activity should be permitted, including renewal of leases for an area less than five acres without getting clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.