The State Cabinet on Tuesday approved an amendment to the OMPTS Rules, 2007 framed to check illegal mining.The rules were required to be amended and fortified with new provisions so as to make them more compatible to changing technology and requirement.
Through this amendment provision has been made to make the method of stacking and sampling more scientific and accurate to exactly ascertain the quantity and grades of the minerals stored and despatched by the use of online technology.
That apart, provision has also been introduced to facilitate use of drone technology for surveillance in the mining area and monitoring of mining activities in difficult mining pockets. Further, to curb illegal mining in the State and illegal transportation, theft, smuggling, the provisions of penalty has been made more stringent. The term of imprisonment for illegal mining has been enhanced from one year to two years and fine amount has also been increased from Rs.25,000 to Rs 5 lakh and from Rs 500 to Rs 50,00 to prevent illegal mining and to deal with illegal mining cases more strongly.
This proposed amendment to OMPTS Rules, 2007 through the OMPTS Amendment Rules, 2021 by giving more stress on online transportation, online checking and reporting will help in regulating the mining activities in the State in a more scientific and transparent manner.
Due to correct assessment of quantity and quality of minerals, there would be more generation of Govt, revenue and less pilferage of public funds and illegal mining in the State would be reduced substantially.
