The ongoing crackdown in the southern state is based on a scientific survey of mining zones ordered by CM A Revanth Reddy, who oversees the department, to ascertain the quantum of minerals mined in a particular area and match that with the seigniorage fees paid to the govt by lease-holders. Besides lessees exceeding their operational limits, instances of mining by unlicensed operators were found in Nirmal and Kamareddy districts.
Telangana has 2,681 mining lessees, 122 of them large operators, for a total leased area of 69,368 hectares.
An official said that this was just the beginning of the drive to make up for losses to the exchequer over the years.
“A survey of lease boundaries in this part of erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh is being done for the first time in four decades. We have completed a survey in 422 mines. The rest will be covered in a few weeks.” Officials said 886 mines had been shut because of violations.
Telangana has 2,681 mining lessees, 122 of them large operators, for a total leased area of 69,368 hectares.
An official said that this was just the beginning of the drive to make up for losses to the exchequer over the years.
“A survey of lease boundaries in this part of erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh is being done for the first time in four decades. We have completed a survey in 422 mines. The rest will be covered in a few weeks.” Officials said 886 mines had been shut because of violations.