Collector seeks government nod to auction 100 acres for black stone mining

Nagpur District Collector Dr Sanjay Mukherjee has recommended auction of 100 acres mine of black stone in Mouza Sawangi (Deoli), Tehsil Hingana. Sources said, Collector has sought further direction regarding lease of mine from Revenue Department for the first time. Till now, the Collector has been giving the mining lease to persons who have applied for it.

It may be mentioned that many bigwigs and relatives of MLAs, Politicians are in the fray to bag the contract of excavating black stone in Mouza Sawangi (Deoli). Around 150 persons have applied for the lease. Sources said, since many bigwigs are in race for these stone-mine blocks hence Collector has sent a proposal to Revenue Department. Sources claimed that if the land is put to auction, then Mining Department would get Rs 8 lakh per acre for five year lease. The total land is around 100 acres and expected revenue will be Rs 8 crore. The demand of mine is due to boom in construction work at Multimodal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) and for construction of roads, buildings and other purposes. Since the mine is in close proximity of Orange city and MIHAN there is a rat-race since this is the cheapest option available to contractors. Sources said that those who have demanded lease in mine have good relation in Mantralaya and they are confident that they will be able to get the mining rights. The present rate of the lease is Rs 100 per brass or Rs 100 per cubic feet. Government would get a paltry compensation in lieu of these black-stone mines. If Revenue Department finally accords permission for auction, then Mining Department will have to frame the rules for auction of mine. Sources said that in other parts of the Maharashtra, the mine was auctioned for period of five years. Mining Officer Rajendra Choudhry said, presently government has given target of Rs 12.5 crore for minor minerals and the department has collected around Rs 26 crore and by March, 2008 end, department would mop up Rs 30 crore revenue. In major minerals, mining department has generated revenue of Rs 100 crore while the target was only Rs 80 crore.

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